NEW BEDFORD, MASSACHUSETTS — The Bristol County District Attorney’s Office has confirmed that 83-year-old Antonio Valente, a New Bedford resident who had been reported missing earlier this week, was found deceased near the Market Basket shopping area. The heartbreaking discovery brings a tragic end to an intensive search that began after authorities issued a Silver Alert in hopes of locating the elderly man, who suffered from dementia.
According to officials, Valente was reported missing after he failed to return home earlier in the week, prompting a widespread search effort involving local police, family members, and volunteers. The Massachusetts State Police and Bristol County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the investigation, deploying search dogs and aerial resources to scour the area. Despite those efforts, Valente was found deceased late Wednesday near a wooded area close to the Market Basket on Coggeshall Street.
In a statement released Thursday morning, the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office expressed condolences to Valente’s family and confirmed that foul play is not suspected at this time. “This appears to be a tragic case of an elderly individual with cognitive impairment who wandered and became disoriented,” the statement read. “Our thoughts are with Mr. Valente’s loved ones as they cope with this devastating loss.”
Family members had described Valente as a gentle, kind-hearted man with a lifelong connection to New Bedford. Known for his warm smile and caring nature, he was deeply loved by those around him. His family said he had begun struggling with memory loss in recent years, but remained active and independent, often enjoying walks in his neighborhood.
When he was first reported missing, the community rallied to help. Social media posts, flyers, and news alerts circulated rapidly as residents joined the effort to locate him. Many in the New Bedford area expressed heartbreak upon learning of his passing, offering prayers and messages of support to his grieving family.
“This is such a terrible loss,” said one family friend. “Everyone was hoping he would be found safe. Mr. Valente was such a kind soul — always friendly, always smiling. It’s just heartbreaking.”
The New Bedford Police Department and first responders involved in the search also expressed sorrow over the outcome. “We extend our deepest condolences to the Valente family,” the department said in a brief statement. “Our officers and volunteers worked tirelessly to bring him home, and while this is not the ending anyone hoped for, we hope his family finds comfort in knowing how deeply this community cared.”
Silver Alerts, which are issued for missing seniors and adults with cognitive impairments, are designed to mobilize communities quickly to locate at-risk individuals. Authorities say Valente’s case underscores the importance of community awareness and safety measures for those living with dementia.
As the New Bedford community mourns, friends and family are remembering Antonio Valente not for the circumstances of his passing, but for the kindness and love he brought into the lives of others. Plans for a memorial service are expected to be announced soon.
For now, neighbors and loved ones continue to grieve while holding close the memory of a man whose gentle presence and loving spirit will never be forgotten.
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