Rodolph O. Martinez

1/09/1950- 1/13/2026

Rodolph Omar Martinez (Rudy), beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on January 13, 2026, at the age of 76. He was born on January 9, 1950, to Apolonio and Lillian Martinez, who preceded him in death along with his father-in- law, Carlos Guerrero, brother-in-law, Alfonso Xavier Soto, and niece, Lillian Ruth Gates.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 46 years, Nydia Martinez, his loving daughters, Miriam Martinez (Melisha) and Felicia Martinez (Louis), mother-in-law, Miriam Guerrero, sister, Neida Ruth Grantland, as well as extended family who cherished him deeply.

Rodolph dedicated his entire professional career to serving the Brownsville Independent School District as a Physical Education coach at Egly Elementary School. Throughout his years of teaching, he made a lasting impact on countless students, instilling in them confidence, discipline, and a love of movement that many carried with them long after leaving his classroom.

Rodolph lived a life grounded in faith and gratitude. His greatest passion was fishing, which was far more than a pastime; it was his sanctuary and his way of connecting with God’s creation. The bay was his church, and the water was his place of prayer and peace. Whether casting a line at sunrise or walking the shoreline, he found joy and meaning in nature’s quiet lessons and reminded others to give thanks for life’s simple blessings. In addition to fishing, Rodolph found deep peace in gardening, spending hours each day outdoors tending to his plants and flowers. Finding a quiet joy in watching things grow. By his side through these moments was his loyal dog, Layla, whose companionship brought him comfort and steady joy.

He was known for his strength, humor, and unwavering faith. Even throughout his illness, Rodolph remained a light to everyone around him, praying for his caregivers, lifting the spirits of his doctors and nurses, and meeting each day with courage and grace. His resilience and compassion left a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to know him.

A devoted husband and father, Rodolph cherished his family above all else. He and Nydia shared a lifelong partnership built on love and faith. To his daughters, he was a guide and protector who led with patience and wisdom.

Though our hearts ache, we take comfort knowing that he is healed, reunited with his loved ones who went before him. He has cast his final line and gone home to calm waters — forever fishing in heaven.

We would like to extend our sincerest thanks to all the healthcare professionals who provided care, including MD Anderson, Texas Oncology, and Mesquite Home Health and Hospice Care. A special thank you to his nurse, Juan Segura (Mesquite Home Health), and his Oncologist, Dr. Omar Alhalabi (MD Anderson), for their exceptional care.

A celebration of life will be held at Sunset Funeral Home on Saturday, January 24, 2026. Visitation will be from 1–4 p.m., with a chapel service beginning at 3 p.m. Services conclude at the end of the visitation. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation

https://www.tpwf.org/ or MD Anderson Cancer Center

https://gifts.mdanderson.org/Default.aspx?tsid=37435