Joseph M. Martins

Joseph Martins, 91, of Dartmouth, formerly of Fall River, passed away on Friday, September 26, 2025. He was the husband of 66 years to the late Olivia “Olive” (Dias Rego) Martins. He leaves behind a legacy that is rich in love for nature, family, and the simple joys of life.

He was born on June 20, 1934, in the beautiful village of Capelas in São Miguel, Açores, and was the son of the late Jose Viveiros Fonseca and Maria Jose Fonseca.

He had served in the Portuguese military.

Joseph was known for his passion for gardening, particularly his cherished fruit trees and orchard, which he tended to with great care and dedication. His green thumb transformed his home into a haven of beauty and bounty, where the fruits of his labor could be enjoyed by all.

He took pleasure in cooking and eating, entertaining, traveling, dancing, and spending time with his family.

He was a long-time member of the Sociedade Cultural Acoriana Club, where he enjoyed playing cards and socializing with his close friends. Joseph had worked in the clothing business for many years.

Joseph was the proud father of two sons, Herbert and Edward (wife Sharon), and a daughter, Catherine Hilton (husband David). He also leaves two grandchildren, Victoria and Travis, and a sister, Honorina “Nina” Furtado, of Lisbon, Portugal, and many nieces and nephews. Joseph is predeceased by several siblings.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 2, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Auclair Funeral Home, 690 South Main St., Fall River.

His funeral will be held on Friday, October 3, at 9:00 AM from the funeral home with a Funeral Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 795 Dartmouth Street, at 10:30 AM. Entombment will follow at Notre Dame Cemetery Mausoleum, 1540 Stafford Rd. Fall River.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place • Memphis, TN 38105.