Dennis Arruda

Dennis Arruda, lovingly known as Denny, passed away on January 26, 2026, at the age of 76.

Born on July 17, 1949, and raised in Stonington, Connecticut, Denny was a proud hometown man whose roots ran deep. He served his country honorably in the United States Army and later continued his career working on submarines—and all the while, he was also a mean fisherman, in the best possible sense. Fishing wasn’t just a hobby for Denny; it was a passion he was truly skilled at and deeply enjoyed.

Above all else, Denny’s greatest joy was his family, and he wove that love into everything he did. Everyone who knew him was aware of his love for fishing, boating, camping, and of the joy he found in sharing those moments with the people he loved. He had a gift for making people laugh, with a loud, infectious one that filled every room. Denny also boasted a rather impressive hat collection, and he could almost always be found fixing or building something—from mini bikes for the kids to home renovations, there was nothing he wouldn’t try to create with his own hands.

He took special pleasure in the simple things life had to offer: time on the water, a good movie, meaningful moments with family getting ice cream, even busting some dance moves, and his favorite tradition—a game of Valdez with a Patrón Silver and Ginger Ale in hand. These were the moments he cherished most.

Denny is survived by the love and light of his life, Patty; his son and daughter; his favorite son-in-law; five grandchildren, who were the pride and joy of his life; three nephews; a niece; and Denny’s eldest brother. He was preceded in death by his younger brother. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, craftsmanship, and devotion to family that will live on through those who were fortunate enough to have known him.

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