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Alan J. Gaines, 82, of Portsmouth, Rhode Island, passed away on November 10, 2024. He was the husband of the late Amy Louise (Boocock) Gaines, who predeceased him on October 26, 2022. Together, Alan and Amy were renowned antique dealers in New England, co-owning A&A Gaines Antiques for over four decades. Their expertise spanned a wide range of antiques, including firearms, clocks, furniture, silver, jewelry, Asian artifacts, and Western Americana.
Born in New York City in 1942 to Rosalyn and Charles Ginsburg, Alan’s mother changed their surname to Gaines in hopes of providing him access to corporate circles. However, Alan developed a disdain for the corporate world, unless it intersected with his passion for antiques and history. His fascination with antiques began at the age of six, and by 13, he had purchased his first antique gun. Initially, Alan pursued a career as an etching artist, with commissions from prominent companies such as the Franklin Mint and American Express. His extensive knowledge of history, paired with his meticulous eye for detail, made him a master collector and restorer of antique firearms, watches, and clocks.
Amy, born in Fall River, Massachusetts, to Harry and Marion Boocock, grew up in Portsmouth’s Island Park neighborhood and spent nearly her entire life on Aquidneck Island. Like Alan, she was an artist, with a particular talent for photography. The couple met at an art show in Newport, Rhode Island, in 1975. When Alan approached her, Amy declared that she hated men. Alan’s laughter in response marked the beginning of their enduring love story. Their relationship was characterized by deep affection, shared humor, and a mutual respect that was evident to all who knew them.
A few years into their marriage, Alan and Amy decided to venture into the antiques business together. Their store, located on Franklin Street in Newport, was part of a historic district once bustling with antique shops. During the 1980s and 90s, their beloved orange cat, Jello, became a fixture in their advertisements in Antiques and the Arts Weekly. Throughout their lives, the couple cared for many cats, reflecting their compassion for animals.
Amy’s practicality, business acumen, and sharp wit complemented Alan’s craftsmanship and expertise. Together, they navigated the challenges of small business ownership, rarely feeling “successful” by conventional standards but achieving significant accomplishments nonetheless. Their dedication to their craft and their unique personalities earned them the respect and admiration of their peers in the antiques community.
Alan and Amy were not only business partners but also devoted parents to their daughter, Lee V. Gaines. They instilled in her a love for creativity and authenticity, encouraging her to embrace her individuality regardless of societal expectations. Their influence extended to their son-in-law, Alex Coleman Kime, and their extended family, including Amy’s sister, Janet Cooper; her brother-in-law, Walter Cooper; sister-in-law, Ridley Boocock; nieces Sarah Cunningham and Elizabeth Dobkowski; nephew Jacob Cooper; and countless friends.
The couple’s personal antiques collection, a reflection of their lifelong passion for history and craftsmanship, will be auctioned by Marion Antique Auctions on April 12, 2025. Alan’s prized collection of antique firearms will be auctioned by Amoskeag Auction Company on November 22-23, 2025.
Alan and Amy Gaines were remembered as brilliant, honest, eccentric, and endlessly fascinating individuals. Their love for each other, their family, and their work left an indelible mark on those who knew them. They are deeply missed, but their legacy lives on through their contributions to the antiques world and the enduring memories they created with their loved ones.
