Submitted by the family
PORTSMOUTH, R.I. — Alan J. Gaines, 82, of Portsmouth, R.I., passed away on November 10, 2024. He was the husband of the late Amy Louise (Boocock) Gaines, who passed away on October 26, 2022.
Alan and Amy owned and operated A&A Gaines Antiques for more than 40 years. They were respected and prominent antique dealers in New England, specializing in antique firearms, clocks, furniture, silver, jewelry, Asian antiques, Western Americana and many other unique items.
Born in New York City in 1942 to Rosalyn and Charles Ginsburg, Alan’s mother changed his last name in hopes of giving him an opportunity to mingle with the corporate elite. However, Alan grew to despise most members of that world — unless they shared his passion for antiques and history.
Alan began collecting antiques at age six, and by 13, he had purchased his first antique gun. He started his career as an etching artist, with commissions from major corporations, including the Franklin Mint and American Express Co. Alan possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of history, combined with the discerning eye of a master collector. He was also a talented craftsman who collected and restored antique firearms, watches and clocks.
Born in Fall River, Mass., Amy was the daughter of Harry and Marion Boocock. She grew up in the Island Park neighborhood of Portsmouth and she lived nearly her entire life on Aquidneck Island. Amy was also an artist, with a special interest and talent in photography.
Alan and Amy met at an art show in Newport, R.I., in 1975. When Alan approached her, Amy told him she hated men. Alan laughed and thus began a decades-long love story. Their enduring affection, paired with a shared sense of humor, was evident to all who spent time with the couple.
A few years into their marriage, they decided to go into the antiques business together. Their store, located on Franklin Street in Newport, was part of a thoroughfare once known for its many antique shops and historic buildings. During the 1980s and 90s, the couple’s beloved orange cat, Jello, was a staple in their antique ads in Antiques and the Arts Weekly. (Amy and Alan were caregivers to many cats over their lifetimes.) Amy’s pragmatism, business acumen and quick wit complemented Alan’s craftsmanship and expertise.
Throughout their decades of small business ownership, Alan and Amy rarely felt “successful,” but by many measures, they certainly were.
Alan and Amy were brilliant, honest, eccentric and incredibly fun to be around. They were supportive parents to their daughter, Lee V. Gaines, and taught her to embrace creativity and authenticity, regardless of others’ opinions. They are deeply loved and missed by their son-in-law, Alex Coleman Kime; Amy’s sister, Janet Cooper; their brother-in-law, Walter Cooper; sister-in-law, Ridley Boocock; nieces Sarah Cunningham and Elizabeth Dobkowski; nephew Jacob Cooper; and many friends.
Their personal antiques collection, a testament to their profound knowledge and passion for history, will be auctioned by Marion Antique Auctions on April 12. Alan’s collection of antique firearms will be auctioned by Amoskeag Auction Company on November 22-23.
