Peabody - Americo J. Martins, age 101, of Peabody, died peacefully on Wednesday, February 4th, 2026, at home surrounded by loved ones. Americo (aka Marco) was the devoted husband of the late Theresa "Terry" (Burkinshaw) Martins with whom he shared 63 years of marriage. Marco, according to his Veteran's Post, was also the last Portuguese American to serve his country in World War 2.

Born in Peabody, MA on January 29, 1925, he was the son of the late Manuel and Mary Martins. From an early age, Marco was passionate about baseball and was a lifelong devoted "Red Sox" fan. Throughout high school his gift and aptitude as a pitcher gave him hope of playing pro ball.

That dream was cut short in 1943 when he was drafted at the age of 18 into the Army where he served in combat in Europe during the last years of the war. Marco's skills, conduct, and discipline for soldiering were recognized by his superiors; he would become a first-rate sharpshooter. Marco returned from the war as a decorated veteran and went on to help found the Portuguese American War Veterans Post No 1. in 1945. The Post continues to serve as a social and veterans organization offering support and community engagement.

After the war and for more than four decades, Marco was a federal employee at the Peabody Post Office where his bi-lingual skills helped him serve his fellow Portuguese friends and neighbors.

To those who knew and loved him, we will miss Marco's kindness, integrity, generosity, love of animals, all things Disney, and especially his sense of humor.

He is survived by his daughter, Sandra "Martins" Pascarella, her husband Anthony, his son, Mark Martins and his partner, Geoffrey Brown, grandson, Andrew Pascarella, his wife, Stephanie Ideman, their son and Marco's great-grandson, Marco, whom shares his great grandfather's name.

In addition to his loving wife Terry and his parents, Marco is also predeceased by his brother, Charles.

Visiting hours will be held at the Conway Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 from 4 to 7 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. His funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Thursday at 12 p.m. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, Salem. In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to The Portuguese American War Veterans Post No 1, 103 Tremont St., Peabody. For online guestbook and directions please visit www.ccbfuneral.com.