BOSTON — Senate Assistant Majority Leader Joan B. Lovely (D-Salem) is pleased to announce that Jose Mario and Alice Pinto of Peabody were honored with the Portuguese Heritage Award at the State House annual Heritage Day of Portugal.
“I was proud to have nominated Jose and Alice for the Portuguese Heritage Award, honoring their advocacy for the Peabody Portuguese community and contributions to the Portuguese community in the North Shore and across our Commonwealth,” said Sen. Lovely. “Jose and Alice have shown unwavering dedication to the Portuguese community, marked by generosity, love for their heritage, and an enduring commitment to community service, and are an inspiration to their children and grandchildren.”
Jose Mario and Alice Pinto were born in Faial, Azores, Portugal, in 1943. They met while working at the Martins Rebelo Cheese Factory and married on Oct. 16, 1967.
In pursuit of a better future, Jose and Alice, along with their two oldest children, Rosa and Mario, embarked on a new chapter when they immigrated to Peabody on June 20, 1970. Their son, Jim, was born shortly after their arrival, followed by their youngest son, Nelson.
In 1996, Jose began volunteering with the Holy Ghost Society in Peabody. He held several positions within the organization, including terms as president and vice president. Alice, always by his side, took on the role of organizing community yard sales, raising nearly $90,000 over 20 years. Their volunteerism and fundraising efforts played a vital role in keeping the cultural center active, making it possible to host numerous cultural feasts and community events. Jose’s leadership within the Holy Ghost Society spanned from 1996 to 2023.
Beyond their work with the Holy Ghost Society, Jose and Alice were also deeply involved with other Portuguese organizations, including Our Lady of Help Hall, Clube de Luis Camões, Banda Recreativa de Peabody, and the Portuguese Continental Union. In 2004, their outstanding contributions were recognized when they were honored as the Family of the Year by the Portuguese Continental Union.
