Former Sitka resident Rodolfo Miguel Martin passed away the early morning of June 9 in Juneau, surrounded by his family.
He was born on January 23, 1953, in Laoag City, Philippines, to Ceferino Martin Sr. and Marcelina Martin. He married his wife Lilia on September 2, 1971, and they moved to Honolulu, Hawaii, where they raised their children, Rollie and Rhodalie, until they moved to Sitka, in 1977. In 1981, they welcomed their third child, Rudy Jr.
Rudy, as he was known by his friends, and Pops, as he was known by his family, worked in Sitka as a city sanitation worker and at Alaska Lumber and Pulp. He moved to Juneau in 1996, where he worked as a maintenance worker for D&M Rentals, and then retired in 2015 as the hotel maintenance worker for Frontier Suites Hotel.
Even while working full time, he helped raise and care for his grandchildren when they were babies until they were old enough to attend preschool.
On July 17, 2017, he was blessed to have found love again and married Janette Tabbun in Guiddam, Abulug, Philippines. She moved to Juneau in August 2024. Together, they enjoyed watching Ilocano teleserye, listening to music, and shopping at Costco.
Rudy was known for his cooking; his family and friends all had their favorite dishes that he would prepare. After being fully retired, he was the family cook. "Dinner was ready when we would come home from work," his family said. "He will be sorely missed by all who knew him."
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Herminio and Ceferino Jr.; his sisters, Josefa and Victorina; and his first wife, Lilia.
He is survived by his wife Janette; his sons Rollie and Rudy Jr.; his daughter Rhodalie (Bernie) of Juneau; his grandchildren Brylie, Roel, Bernard Jr. , Rylynn, Sophia of Juneau, and Lilianha of Florida; and his sisters Warlee Martin of Philippines and Susie Martin of Seward.
Also surviving are numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces in Alaska, Hawaii, Washington, Arizona, Maryland, and the Philippines.
A memorial service will be held at 12:05 p.m. on Monday, September 1, at St. Gregory's Catholic Church. A reception will follow at the Corrigan Hall.
