In Memory

 Edward Emilio Martins

December 17, 1927 – September 11, 2025

Edward Emilio Martins, a devoted family man, respected attorney, and tireless philanthropist, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2025. He was 97 years old.

Born in Gustine, California, to Edward August Martins and Roseline Agrella, Edward grew up in a proud Portuguese family. He graduated from Patterson High School before earning a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1949, and his Bachelor of Law and Doctor of Jurisprudence degrees from the University of San Francisco in 1952. That same year, he married the love of his life, Donna Louise Weiz, with whom he shared 67 years of marriage until her passing in 2020.

Edward served honorably in the United States Army before beginning his distinguished legal career. He first practiced as Assistant Attorney for the City of Hayward before entering private practice in 1953, where he remained active for more than 70 years. In 1958, he was admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court. His dedication to justice extended beyond the courtroom—he volunteered countless hours providing legal services for the underserved and was honored with the prestigious Governor’s Service Award.

Over his lifetime, Edward’s civic leadership was extensive. He was part of the first Trustees of Chabot College, helping to build the Hayward campus and was instrumental in it's founding; Past President and Director of the Alameda County Bar Association; Past Director of the Hayward Chamber of Commerce; Former State of California Director of Little League Baseball; Former Director of Centennial Bank; Past President of the Hayward Rotary Club; and Co-Chairperson of the Moreau Foundation.

In 1970, together with Donna, Edward established the Donna L. and Edward E. Martins Foundation, which became the vehicle for their remarkable philanthropy. Through the foundation, they supported cancer research at UCSF - providing groundbreaking training and equipment - along with education, literacy, and community programs. Their generosity funded numerous Chabot College scholarships, created the Chabot College Faculty Award, supported the nursing program at Chabot, and provided Chabot with a large endowment so that Chabot can continue their education programs with more flexibility.  Through the foundation Edward Matins provided critical resources for the Hayward Public Library, including the “Curbie” Bookmobile, "Mobie" the technology based Bookmobile, music and music video equipment, a board game lending area, and updated the technology of their branch library. He also outfitted women with professional clothing to help them enter the workforce, fully funded free admission to the Hayward Area Historical Society for three years, and played a key role in establishing the Silva Pediatric Clinic in 1995.  Edward Martins supported the parks system through donations focusing on animal welfare and community well-being. 

Edward’s impact on his community cannot be measured. He was a quiet yet powerful force for good, ensuring opportunities and support for countless individuals.  His efforts to make the world a better place will continue long into the future and can be at seen at MartinsFoundation.org.

He is survived by his sister-in-law, Janice Mullins of Kennewick, WA; cousins Darlynne Giorgi and Bonnie Van de Pol; and many beloved family members and friends both in California and in Portugal.

Edward was laid to rest at Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland, California. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Donna L. and Edward E. Martins Foundation, LLC, 4423 Deer Ridge Rd., Danville, CA 94506, so that Edward and Donna’s legacy of service may continue.

We will never fully know the extent of Edward’s contributions—but his memory will forever inspire those fortunate enough to have known him.