Peter T. Martina Jr.

Peter T. Martina, Jr. completed his life’s circle, passing away peacefully on his 95th birthday on March 26, 2026, surrounded by loving family. Peter led a long, well-lived and loved life and wanted everyone to know that he stayed with his family as long as he possibly could.

Peter’s parents, Peter and Louise (Polino), had emigrated separately from Sicily, Italy, met and married in the United States, and settled in Buffalo, New York where they raised Peter and his sister, Jeanne (DiGiulio). Peter had fond memories of growing up on Starin Avenue in Buffalo and summering with his aunts, uncles, and cousins on Crystal Lake in Canada. Peter graduated from Bennett High School and University at Buffalo.

After receiving his business degree from UAB, Peter enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Korea as a Corporal during the Korean war. Upon his discharge in 1952, Peter met and married his sweetheart, Teresa (Carnevale) in 1955, and began their life journey together in Buffalo.

Peter’s sales career led Peter and Teresa to relocate to Massachusetts with their growing family. They eventually settled in Marshfield in 1970 where they raised their five children and Peter began working for Prudential Insurance. When most of the family had grown up and were on their own, Peter accepted a transfer to Orlando, Florida where he moved with Teresa and their youngest son, Philip, in 1983. Peter loved everything about Florida, especially the warm weather and working in his yard and harvesting his fruit trees, particularly the grapefruit (even though he wasn’t supposed to eat them!).

Peter retired from Prudential 30 years ago and spent 18 of his retirement years in Florida before eventually returning to Marshfield to be closer to much of the family as his and Teresa’s health began to decline. Peter spent the last 12 years in the family home which he shared with Teresa until her passing and with his son and “roomie”, Paul.

Peter was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks for almost 70 years, joining while living in Buffalo. Peter was proud of being a charter member of the Marshfield Chapter, which celebrated its 50th anniversary a few years ago. Peter made many good friends through the Elks over the years and held fond memories of socializing with them at many of the functions as well as volunteering with them at many of the club’s charitable events.

Peter was a proud American and U.S. Army veteran. He very much enjoyed going to the Veterans’ events sponsored by the Marshfield Veterans Services during his retirement. He especially enjoyed the holiday party – he was always happy if he came home with a raffle prize!

Peter had a passion for playing cards. For 10 years he spent many hours at the Marshfield Senior Center playing bridge and Pinochle, earning the nickname “Pinochle Pete”. After Peter was physically unable to return to the senior center, he hosted many card games at his home. He loved playing with friends and family and taught many people how to play the games he loved so much. Peter was playing cards right up until just a few days before his passing.

Peter leaves us to join his pre-deceased wife of 60 years, Teresa, while leaving behind his five children - Peter T. Martina III (Susan); Donna Bowers (Richard); Richard Martina (Jennifer); Paul Martina and Philip Martina (Kym). He also leaves his 12 grandchildren –Peter (Emma) and Tyler (Brenna) Martina; Marisa Almonte (Christopher); Kristen (Chad) and Kara Martina; Forrest, Madison, Mason, Marin, Maitlyn, Mailey and Macoy Martina; his 3 great-grandchildren and his cousin and close friend, Harry Catalano.

Peter was a strong-willed man proud of his family, his country, and his heritage. He loved being with family and enjoyed hosting and attending “Cousinfests” which brought relatives together from near and far. Peter lived his life on his own terms in his own style and without apology or regret. As much as he will be missed by those that loved him, we take comfort knowing that Papa left us as he lived his life - on his own terms.

Visiting hours for friends and family will be at the Richardson-Gaffey funeral home in Scituate, MA on Sunday, April 19th from 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM and will conclude with a memorial service at 3:30 PM. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Marshfield Senior Center or the Marshfield Veterans Services.