Bernardo "Ben" A. Martino, 80, of Gardner, died peacefully on Monday, June 15, 2026, at Westborough Healthcare Center while under the care of Faith & Family Hospice after a period of declining health.

Born in Stoneham on October 25, 1945, he was the son of the late Bernardo and Matilda Mary (Bruno) Martino. He attended Burlington High School and earned his GED while in the United States Army, where he was stationed in South Korea. Later, he received an associate degree in Media Services from Mount Wachusett Community College. Ben was an on-call and volunteer firefighter for 34 years and performed fire investigations and forensic photography for the Hubbardston Fire Department. He was also one of the first EMTs in Massachusetts.

Ben was a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Korean War Veterans, VFW, Townsend Rod and Gun Club, and the Mason Blue Lodge. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing, camping, and hunting. He also had a deep interest in researching his Native American ancestry. The Native American Indian Enrollment Agency listed him as Huron, and he was an ordained minister of the First Nation Church. Ben was a caring person who was always there to help and cherished spending time with his loved ones.

Ben is survived by his wife, Carol A. (Mintz) Martino of Gardner; two sons, David North-Martino and his wife, Patricia, of Blackstone, and Anthony Martino and his wife, Jennifer, of Texas; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his daughter, Danielle "Shoshana" Martino, and several siblings.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the United Native American Cultural Center, Inc. 29 Antietam Street, Devens, MA 01434 or the veterans' organization of your choice. Please reference In Memory of Bernardo A. Martino.