Martin Rodela Jr.

With profound sadness and broken hearts, we announce the passing of Martin Rodela Jr., who left this world on August 31, 2026, at the age of 31. Though his time with us was far too short, Martin lived a life filled with love, adventure, service, laughter, and unforgettable memories. His presence touched so many lives, and his memory will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Martin was a devoted son, brother, nephew, cousin, friend, and so much more. Family meant everything to him. He had a special way of making people feel welcomed, valued, and loved. Martin enjoyed traveling, entertaining, making memories, and inspiring everyone fortunate enough to cross his path. His personality, humor, generosity, and zest for life made him someone who could never truly be forgotten.

Martin proudly served nine years in the United States Army, dedicating himself to serving his country. His military journey took him to many places around the world, from Colorado to Germany, and most recently Hawaii. Martin continued his passion for aviation. He worked as an Aviation Maintenance Technician, specializing in private and corporate aircraft with Guardian Flight until the time of his passing. During his years in Hawaii, he worked with Hawaii Life Flight, continuing to dedicate his skills and knowledge to an industry he deeply loved.

Martin believed in living life fully and never waiting for tomorrow. One of the mottos he lived by was:

“If not now, then when?”

Those words captured the spirit of Martin perfectly. He embraced life, pursued his dreams, traveled, loved deeply, and encouraged others to do the same. His legacy will live on not only through the memories he created, but through the lives he inspired.

Martin is survived by his loving parents, Monica Rodela and Martin Rodela Sr. (Pebbles); his sisters, Raquel Rodela and Melanie Rodela (Brandon); aunts, Elma, Janie (Johnny), and Michele (Manuel); great-aunts, Sylvia Curtis, Rose Perez, Sylvia Canals, and Ofelia Canals; uncles, Robert Becerra (Jessica), Christopher Lopez (Sammi), Billy Rodela, and Joe Saldana; and great-uncle, John Perez (Yolanda). He also leaves behind his beloved dog nieces, Harley, Ivii and Macy, who brought him countless moments of love and happiness.

Martin was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Moses Michael Perez Jr. and Emily Canals Perez; paternal grandmother, Eleanor Saldana; great-grandparents, Moses Perez Sr. and Sophia Gamboa Perez; great-aunts, Elda Galvan and Anita Fuentes; great-uncles, Ernest Perez, James Curtis, and Pedro Canals; cousins, Nadia Ramos and Lorraine Diaz and Josh Ruiz; and great-cousin, Kerri Lynn Hedspeth

Although our hearts are shattered by his sudden absence, we find comfort knowing that Martin’s life mattered. He was deeply loved, fiercely cherished, and made an impact that will continue long after his passing.

His stories will be told.

His laughter will be remembered.

His love will remain.

And the memories he created will live on forever.

Martin, you will always be loved, always be missed, and forever be a part of us.

Rest peacefully, Martin.

Until we meet again.