W. Albert Martin “Al”, age 84, a lifelong resident of North Providence, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2026, at Hope Hospice, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Providence, RI to the late William V. Martin and Berthe (Salois) Martin, Al lived an incredibly full life with his family and faith at the center of all he did.

He leaves his beloved wife of 56 years, Helene C. (Forrest) Martin, along with his daughter Michelle Kiely (Martin) DeQuattro and her husband Louis Anthony DeQuattro, Jr. of North Providence, his son Dr. William Forrest Martin of Smithfield, and his grandchildren, Kiely Alexis DeQuattro, Annalise Christine Martin, and Cambria Anna DeQuattro who affectionately called him “Pop.”

Al also leaves behind his sister, Ann (Martin) Incollingo, sister-in-law Barbara (Forrest) MacDonald, and goddaughter, Monique (Salois) Blais. He was predeceased by his sister, Carol (Martin) Sylvia, brother Richard Martin, and brother-in-law William Forrest.

Al was dedicated to education and lifelong learning. He attended St. Augustine School in Providence where he was part of its first graduating class in 1955. He graduated from North Providence High School and the University of Rhode Island, earning both a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s in Business Administration. He later earned a Juris Doctorate from Suffolk University and a Master of Science in Taxation from Bryant University. His commitment to academic excellence reflected his strong work ethic, discipline and drive.

Al’s adult life was defined by service to others. He served his country as a member of the United States Army (as a disabled veteran) and later in the U.S. National Guard Reserves. He was a longtime volunteer at the North Providence Fire Department at Fruit Hill Station #1. He volunteered for many years as a probate attorney for the Rhode Island Bar Association providing countless pro bono engagements to individuals in need of legal services. Al also gave much of his time and energy to his parish, St. Augustine’s Church, where he faithfully collected for Catholic Charities for over 40 years. He also served on the School and Parish Finance Council for 15 years. He was a longtime volunteer at St. Augustine School, where he found his greatest joy in visiting the classes of his granddaughters Kiely and Cambria, where he read stories, gave out candy, and shared his many jokes.

Al’s professional life included a distinguished career at Johnson & Wales University where he was instrumental in the creation of the Legal Studies Department, which he chaired for many years. He was an active and key member of numerous university committees including curriculum, faculty performance and promotion, the annual university calendar, and others. He advocated successfully for higher faculty compensation and benefits. He leaves behind a legion of students and fellow colleagues who benefited from his thoughtful instruction and tireless work. Al also managed a private law practice for over 45 years, concentrating in taxation, estates and trusts, and personal injury. Prior to becoming an attorney, Al owned and operated his own travel agency, Continental Travel, for many years, which helped fuel his love of travel.

Al lived a full life with a number of interests and an adventurous spirit. Together with Helene he traveled to 46 states and numerous international destinations, including watching games in 27 Major League ballparks and all of our country’s Presidential Libraries. He was a devout Providence College basketball fan and season ticket holder for over 40 years, and was a loyal fan of his beloved Boston Red Sox – strongly denying any prior affiliation with the New York Yankees!

Al’s service to others and his community will long be remembered, but it was his love for his family that is his lasting legacy. The pride he had in his children and their families, and the joy he received as a doting “Pop” to his granddaughters were among his greatest joys. What sustained him most, however, was his beloved Helene, with whom he shared the bond of a lifetime. Al was and is eternally grateful to the Diocese of Providence for the love and opportunity that was provided to him by the St. Aloysius Orphanage and St. Augustine School.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, March 7th at 10:00 am at Saint Augustine Church, 639 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Providence, RI. Burial with military honors will follow at Saint Ann Cemetery in Cranston, RI.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to St. Augustine School, 635 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Providence, RI 02904, or HopeHealth Hospice & Palliative Care, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904.