Joseph E. Martines, 88
Joseph E. Martines, 88, of Carlisle passed away peacefully on March 14, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Born and raised in Bedford, he was the son of the late James and Mary (DeFelice) Martines. He attended Acton High School and graduated in 1955. During his school years, Joe played football, basketball, and baseball, and ran indoor track. He was a proud member of the heralded Acton High football team, one of the dominant high school programs in Massachusetts in the 1950s. The football team lost only one game in his junior and senior years, and in his senior year, Joe started at tackle in the Lowell-Lawrence All-Star Game. He often reflected fondly on lessons in teamwork, character, and hard work he learned from Coaches Megin, O’Connor, and Carew.
Joe grew up working in family businesses on The Great Road in Bedford, working both at his uncle’s farm and at his parents’ Blue Ribbon Dairy. Beginning at just 10 years old, Joe, with the assistance of his cousin, helped operate the farm. Later, Joe ran and supervised the dairy. He took great pride not only in the business he helped build, but also in the employees he mentored and the communities and businesses he supported. He remained dedicated to his family’s dairy for decades, working there until 1986, when he transitioned to a successful career in real estate investment, management, and development.
Joe had a lifelong love for the water and boating. Some of his happiest moments were spent as a teenager waterskiing with his friends up and down the Acton River and at White Pond, and later at Joe and Mary’s home on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. Over the years, he taught countless friends and family members to water ski.
Joe was a resident of Carlisle for 55 years and a faithful member of St. Irene Catholic Church.
A devoted member of his community, Joe was involved in local youth sports. He enjoyed coaching young athletes, including his sons, and mentoring them both on and off the field. He also played in the Bedford Men’s Softball League.
Above all else, Joe treasured his family. He cherished working alongside them and spending time together in both everyday moments and special gatherings. He loved being a father and a grandfather. His beloved wife of 63 years, Mary, was almost always by his side.
He is survived by his wife Mary (O’Neill) Martines; and his two sons Mark and his wife Kristin of Acton, and Sean of Carlisle; and by his four grandchildren Matthew, Kyle, Ryan, and Megan Martines. Joe also is survived by many loving nephews, nieces, and cousins, as well as several cherished extended family members. He was predeceased by his siblings Frances Pierce and Frank Martines.
Visitation will be held at Bedford Funeral Home, 167 The Great Road, Bedford, on Wednesday, March 25, from 4-7 p.m.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Irene Catholic Church, 181 East Street, Carlisle, on Thursday, March 26, at 10 a.m. Please click here to view the church livestream, for those who wish to attend remotely. Interment will follow at Green Cemetery, Carlisle.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Office of Philanthropy, 529 Main Street, 4th Floor, Charlestown, MA 02129.
