Antonio A. Martins

Antonio Alves Martins

July 19, 1931 – July 31, 2026

Antonio Alves Martins, 95, of Bristol, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully on July 31, 2026. He left a legacy of hard work, generosity, lifelong learning, and unwavering devotion to his family and community.

Born on July 19, 1931, in Madeirã, Beira Baixa, Portugal, Tony was the beloved son of the late Guilherme and Umbelina (Alves) Martins.

In 1944, Tony left his village for Lisbon in search of an opportunity to build a better future. He began working in the city's public markets, where at only 13 years old, he received his first Grocers' Union card.

Tony immigrated to the United States in 1959. In 1960 he married Mary Olinda Sousa. Together they built a life centered on family, friendship, and the Portuguese traditions they cherished. They shared 53 years of marriage before Mary's passing, creating a home where everyone was welcome.

He is survived by his son, Antonio Abel Batista Martins; his beloved grandson, Tiago Kullberg Martins; and his treasured great-grandchildren, João, Maria, and Tomás Kullberg Martins, all of Lisbon.

He is also survived by his loving siblings, Amelia DaSilva of Bristol and Helena Lopes and Albano Martins of Lisbon. In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by his siblings Zulmira Antunes of Pedrógão Grande, Maria do Carmo Girão of Lisbon, Francisco Martins of Bristol, and Guilherme Martins of Lisbon.

Tony also leaves behind many cherished nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends throughout the United States and Portugal. Among those especially close to him were André, Helder, Helen, and Julia DaSilva, Debby Dobyna, Terri Giammalvo, Isabel Malonson, Karen Maze, and Liz and Victor Antunes.

Throughout his career, Tony worked in several local factories and shipyards, earning the respect of coworkers through his reliability, humility, and strong work ethic. Yet it was during his retirement years that many of his greatest passions truly flourished.

Tony was an avid reader. He enjoyed both fiction and nonfiction, and read the newspaper daily from cover to cover. He was happiest outdoors tending his vegetable garden, grapevines, and fruit trees, which became well known in the community. His garden was never just a hobby; it was an expression of his generosity as he shared fresh vegetables, fruit, and homemade wine with family and friends. He taught himself to play the banjo and mandolin later in life and filled countless family gatherings with music and laughter. Together with Mary, he welcomed generations of relatives and friends to spend afternoons and evenings under the grapevine.

Tony was deeply devoted to the Portuguese American community. He was an active and loyal member of the Portuguese Beneficial Association Dom Luiz Filipe in Bristol. He served as both treasurer and secretary and as a member of the association’s Constitutional Committee. In recognition of his dedication and service, he was honored as Man of the Year in 1988.

Tony will be remembered as a man of quiet strength, remarkable humility, boundless generosity, and genuine kindness. He found fulfillment in helping others, working with his hands, caring for his family, and bringing people together. He made everyone around him feel welcome, respected, and valued.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at 10 a.m. at the George C. Lima Funeral Home, 367 High St., Bristol, R.I. Burial will follow at North Burial Ground in Bristol.

Calling hours from 8 to 10 a.m. will precede the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the East Bay Food Pantry online or mailed to: East Bay Food Pantry, 532 Wood St., Bristol, RI, 02809-2310.

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