Rodolfo Martinez

RIO HONDO - Rodolfo “Fito” Martínez, 87, of Arroyo City, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones, following complications from a major stroke at Valley Baptist Medical Center–Harlingen.

Fito was born on March 5, 1938, in Mission, Texas, to Jesús Martínez and Adelina Flores Martínez. He was the second of five children. From a young age, Fito displayed a strong work ethic and an adventurous spirit. He loved fishing, hunting, and sports. He attended Mission High School, where he also worked as a lifeguard at the city’s public swimming pool alongside his brother Arturo. Fito was a 4 year lettermen in all 4 sports and captain of several of those teams.  As a young boy, he delivered newspapers and often returned home with his bag filled not only with papers but with alligator gar he caught along the way, fish that his beloved Tía Melé would prepare to feed their neighborhood.

Following high school, Fito joined the reserves and later enlisted in the United States Navy, serving his country with honor. He was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, and spent 18 months aboard the USS Steinaker, traveling abroad during his service.

After completing his military service, Fito worked on oil rigs before beginning a long and successful career delivering dairy products with Borden’s throughout McAllen, Harlingen, and Beeville. He later transitioned into the insurance industry, working as a life insurance agent for Reliable Insurance and National Life and Accident Insurance. His leadership skills and dedication quickly led to promotions, eventually becoming Area Manager in the McAllen District. Fito spent over 30 years with American General Life and Accident Insurance, where he earned numerous leadership awards, distinguished trips, and later rose to District Manager. He took great pride in mentoring young agents and watching them succeed. He was also known for firing up the BBQ pit every Friday to bring coworkers together.

Above all, Fito was a devoted father and family man. He served his country with honor in the Navy and served his family with unconditional love. He taught by example—instilling values of duty, strength, sacrifice, honor, courage, and commitment not only in uniform, but in everyday life. His strength was his family’s armor, and his love was their greatest gift. An American hero, both at home and in service.

Fito’s greatest pride and joy were his children and grandchildren. He cherished teaching them how to hunt and fish, hosting frequent gatherings with family and friends, and spending time on the golf course with his buddies. A devoted sports fan, he could often be found in the stands cheering on his children and grandchildren. He also gave back to his community as a Little League baseball coach for many years. Fito was known for his love of family, respect for elders, and deep appreciation for friendship.  Around the year 2000, Fito was inducted into the Leo Najo Baseball Hall of Fame in Mission. Where he also served with pride on the board of directors. His legacy will live on through his children and all those he inspired throughout his lifetime.

He will be deeply missed by many.

Rodolfo was preceded in death by his parents, Jesús Martínez and Adelina Martínez; his brother, Arturo Martínez; his sister, Lydia Borrego; his daughter, Anna Leticia Martínez; and his former spouse, Maria Elena Martínez.

He is survived by his daughters, Cynthia Elena Barreiro; Rebecca Esmeralda Martínez (Luis); and Ella Melissa Castillo (Sergio); his sons, Rodolfo Martínez Jr. (Veronica) and Rolando Martínez (Nora); his brother, Jesús “Chito” Martínez Jr.; his sister, Alicia Solares; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation and Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m., at Virgil Wilson Funeral Home, directed by Serenity Funeral Chapels.

Mass will be celebrated on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, followed by burial at Veterans Memorial Cemetery.