PAWTUCKET

Antero "Ted" L. Martins, 94, formerly of Pawtucket, passed away on May 19, 2024, at the Rhode Island Veterans Home in Bristol, surrounded by his loving family.   He was the husband of the late Celeste (Loureiro) Martins for 59 years.

Born in Holyoke, Massachusetts, raised in Esmolfe, Portugal, he was the son of the late John and Ermelinda (Lopes) Martins.  He resided at Atria Lincoln Place for the past eight months, previously resided in Cumberland and then Pawtucket for most of his life.

Mr. Martins was a United States Air Force Veteran, serving from 1951 to 1955 during the Korean War as a Medic.

He was a proud 1974 Graduate of Johnson and Wales University, receiving a Bachelor Degree in Computer Science.

Mr. Martins was employed as a Computer Operator in the Computer Center for the State of Rhode Island for 30 years until his retirement. He previously was the owner and operator of ESSO Gas Station in Seekonk, Massachusetts, for five years.

He was an active and dedicated member of St. Teresa of the Child Jesus Parish in Pawtucket, where he served as a lector for five years. Additionally, he held the esteemed position of Grand Knight for the Knights of Columbus.

Ted made significant contributions to the Pawtucket Planning Board, serving as commissioner for 16 years, vice chair for six years, and chairman for five years. He was also a member of the Seven Castles Club, where he served as president for one year. He was also a commander for the Korean War Veterans Association.

A true patriot, Ted demonstrated his pride in serving the US through his instrumental role in designing and fundraising for the Air Force monument at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter. He also dedicated many years to the successful placement of the Korean Veterans plaque in the Rhode Island State House.

Those who knew and loved Ted will remember his passion for making a difference, whether it was by his involvement in community groups, veterans, and health-related causes such as diabetes, right until the end with the donation of his body to Brown University Medical School.  He was a talented wood craftsman, and his creations included bedroom sets, sofa tables, dining room sets, rocking horses, cradles, and more, some of which became family heirlooms.  Above all, he will be remembered for the love he shared with his family, especially supporting and attending all events of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  He enjoyed being in bowling leagues, and was also a dedicated and loyal fan of the Boston Bruins, the Providence Bruins, and the Boston Red Sox.

He is survived by his three daughters, Linda M. Silva and her husband Anthony J. Silva of Cumberland, Teresa Reilly and her husband Kevin Reilly of Cumberland, Lisa Doo and her husband Derek Doo of Walpole, MA; his nine grandchildren,  Ross, A. Alex, Farrah, Kaitlin, Courtney, Alyssa, Justin, Ryan and Ashley; his 14 great-grandchildren; his two sisters, Abigail Coelho of Connecticut and Helena Rodrigues of Cumberland; as well as several nieces and nephews. Most recently he discovered, welcomed, and enjoyed time with additional biological children in New York, including Joseph Page and his wife Gerry, James Page and his wife Pattie, and Dawn Harper-Hicks and her husband Joseph, and their families.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to Ted's Life Celebration to be held with a Mass of Christian  Burial on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at 10 AM in the St. John Vianney Church, 3587 Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland and will conclude with military honors.  Visitation will be held in the church prior to Mass from 8:30 AM to 10 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Rhode Island Veterans Home, Activities/Veteran Enrichment Department, 480 Metacom Avenue, Bristol, Rhode Island 02809.

ONLINE MEMORIAL: jjduffyfuneralhome.com