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Alfiero Martino passed away peacefully on June 5, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. Alfiero (Al) was born in The Bronx, NY on September 30, 1927 to Elvira and Cosmo Martino. Al loved the outdoors and was a natural athlete. He especially loved baseball and as a teenager was invited to try out for the Yankee farm team.
While in high school Al caught the eye of Yolanda Antico in Italian class. As the story he told, he walked out of class on the first day and remarked to a friend that he was going to marry her. He was 18 and Yolanda was 16.
The two started dating and after graduation Al volunteered for the army and was shipped to Japan as a military police officer. Al spoke fondly about his time in the military and gained an appreciation and respect for different cultures. When he came back to New York two years later, he proposed to Yolanda and they were married in 1950.
Al started his career as a butcher in The Bronx. The storefront sat on the ground floor of an apartment building that he and his brothers built with his father. It was there, he and Yolanda raised their three children. As a second career, Al started Martino Provisions, a purveyor of the Boar’s Head Brand in 1970, a decision that would later impact the trajectory of his children and grandchildren's careers. The business was an inspiration to the family who have started their own as a result.
While their family was in the city, Al and Yolanda’s hearts were in Sag Harbor, where they spent most of their summers. The couple retired there in 1982, and it became the extended home for their nine grandchildren. While the Hamptons evolved into the outpost for New York City elite, Al instead focused on the outdoors and had a deep appreciation for nature. He especially loved birdwatching and taught his family his other loves: how to fish, clam, and catch crabs.
Al was always known for his warmth, kindness, and generosity toward others. “Pop” was always ready to lend a hand. Al and Yolanda's seventy-one year marriage has been a strong influence in their ever growing family and Al's calming and loving presence will be greatly missed.
Alfiero leaves behind his three children, Diana (Robert) Piagentini, John (Rose) Martino, and Donna (Loreto) Galbo; nine grandchildren, Robert, Michael, Joseph, John, Gina, Juliana, Anthony, Michael, and Kristina; 19 great-grandchildren; and many adoring nieces and nephews. Alfiero was predeceased by his four siblings. His beloved wife, Yolanda passed away in her sleep just days before Al’s death.
Friends may visit with the family at the Ralph Giordano Funeral Home in the Bronx, NY on Wednesday, June 8, 2022 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Clare of Assisi Church on Thursday June 9, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. followed by a private burial.
In lieu of flowers you may make a memorial donation in the name of Alfiero Martino to the Wounded Warrior Project.
Arrangements entrusted to the care of the Ralph Giordano Funeral Home.
To share a memory, or leave an online condolence, please visit www.giordanofuneralhome.com
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