Max R.

Martins

At 98 years of age, Max passed away on Tuesday, March 3 ^rd , in the peaceful surroundings of his home with his loving and caring family at his side. Born and raised in Brava, Cabo Verde, he was one of five children of the late Manuel and Domingas (Rosa) Martins. He received his formal education in Cabo Verde and from the age of twelve began instruction in clothing and tailoring.  He continued his tailor training in Brazil. During WW II, he served in the Armed Forces of Portugal. He came to the United States as a young man in the 1960's, settled in Chelsea, and worked at American Biltrite. Remaining in contact with family in Portugal, he was introduced to Sara Burgo and began a long-distance romance with her. He then returned to Portugal in 1968 and married Sara. Together, they came to Chelsea to raise a family here. Years earlier, Max purchased a suit from Wolper's, a local clothier on Broadway. He made his own alterations, amazed of the store staff, and was immediately hired as the in-house tailor.  In 1964, he left his job at Biltrite and established himself as "Max the Tailor" – altering suits, uniforms and garments for countless Chelsea residents, business people and city officials. His shop closed in 1984. He continued his tailoring skills at local dry cleaners before enjoying full retirement. Max also studied photography and was an amateur photographer in his spare time. He is fondly remembered as a perfect gentleman with a kind nature and quiet demeanor.  Max preferred to walk wherever he went, whether he was going shopping, to church or just out for fresh air and exercise.  He frequently would be seen walking about town, always impeccably dressed and greeting friends and old clients along his way. He is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Sara Martins. He was the devoted father of Maria Santos and her husband Belmiro of Swansea; Hildy Santos and her late husband Manu of Kissimmee, FL; Manuel Cecilio and his wife Lori of New Bedford; George Vicente and his wife Marlene of Saugus; Max Anthony "Tony" Martins and his wife Assol of Chelsea; and the late Martin Martins. He was the dear brother to Maria Luisa Martins of Swansea; Dalva Braga-Silvia of Rio De Janeiro; the late Francisco Martins; and Mariana Martins.  He is also survived by 18 grandchildren and many great grandchildren.

ARRANGEMENTS:  Visiting hours will be held from the Welsh Funeral Home, 718 Broadway, Chelsea on Friday March 6th from 4 - 8 P.M. Relatives and friends are most kindly invited to attend.  Funeral from the Welsh Funeral Home on Saturday at 9:00 A.M. Followed by a funeral mass at St. Stanislaus Church 163 Chestnut St. Chelsea at 10:00 A.M.  Services will conclude with interment at Woodlawn Cemetery, Everett.  Ample parking opposite funeral home.

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