Alex Friend Newton, 84, of Oak Bluffs, died on Jan. 3.

He and Elaine J. Newton, his beloved and cherished bride of nearly 50 years, provided each other with comfort and strength while he died, as both of their hearts were nearly breaking. They meant the world to each other, loved each other unconditionally and took very good care of each other and their families.

Alex was born on May 28, 1939 to Leon Sydney Newton and Alice Friend Newton in Worcester. He was born and raised as a classy, distinguished gentleman and strong and wise intellectual who was diverse, passionate, sensitive and sometimes modest or shy.

His parents sent him to the Bancroft School in Worcester. He earned his high school diploma from The Cambridge School of Weston and his associates degree in business at Nichols College.

His earliest and most special professional career was working as a manager and store buyer at Barnard’s department store in Worcester. He worked for his father Leon, who was the president and owner of the store for 41 years. To this day, Alex continued to take care of his parents and their business through the LSN Foundation, a philanthropy supporting children in need, education, camps, arts, theater and many doctors and hospitals.

He exemplified pride, dignity and integrity. He was a proud veteran who served in the U.S. Army in the early 1960s. He cared about the United States and expressed his hopes and concerns while keeping up with current events.

Alex was a great Samaritan and always wanted to make a difference wherever he was. He was enthusiastic, dedicated and passionate about clubs, organizations and fraternities and he sincerely enjoyed volunteering. He was a 33rd Degree Mason and Shriner; a loyal member at the Matthew John Whittall Lodge in Shrewsbury for 54 years; a lifelong member of the Elks Club and the Hundred Club of Massachusetts; and a member of the Portuguese American Club in Oak Bluffs, the Moose Club in Florida, senior centers and other special places.

He and Elaine belonged to both Chabad of Martha’s Vineyard and the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center. Many years ago they and their three children belonged to Temple Sinai and Temple Emanuel in Worcester.

He looked forward to meeting new people and spending time with friends. Cribbage was his favorite game and he often had it ready to play anytime. He also enjoyed puzzles, games, pool tables, toys, practical jokes, cartoons and the arts, including music, theater and museums.

His lifelong favorite creature comforts were his computer, phones and anything tech related.

He was excited about good food and restaurants and even remembered most of the restaurants and waitresses from many years and cities ago. His favorite meals were those made by Elaine: she fed him well and helped him manage his health, which he had begun doing early on. His favorite son also happily baked healthy, delicious desserts for him. His best care came from his wife and children.

Besides providing his wife and family with a beautiful life in Spencer and Worcester, Alex took his family on annual vacations to New York City and Long Island for holidays. He was eager to go on college tours. He had great adventures in Florida with Elaine and sometimes Sarah when she lived or visited there, and unforgettable and wonderful family time on Martha’s Vineyard since their old summer days.

More recently he couldn’t wait to visit Sarah in Rhode Island and dreamed of revisiting Chicago and Hawaii, where he shopped for cabana sets to wear and later married Elaine.

Alex is survived by his wife, Elaine J, Valentzas Newton; their three children, Alice Constance and her cat Cinnamon, Sarah L. Newton of Rhode Island, and his favorite son, Fred Newton; his favorite sister, Janet Newton Weinberg of California; nephews, great nephews and many other relatives and friends, such as his dear friend Chris.

A service will be held at the Oriental-Martha’s Vineyard Masonic Lodge in Oak Bluffs on Monday, Jan. 22. Calling hours begin at 11:30 a.m. and the service will begin at 12 p.m.

Memorial contributions can be made to The Elks National Foundation, 2750 N Lakeview Ave., Chicago, IL 60614; Oriental-MV Masonic Lodge, P.O. Box 5046, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568, or an organization of your choice on Martha’s Vineyard.

Cards are welcome and may be sent to Elaine Newton and Family, P.O. Box 1234, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557.