Born August 16, 1938 in Angleton, Texas to Anastacio Sr. and Petra Martinez and graduated from Angleton High School in 1956. He enlisted in the Army in 1961 then returned home to marry Ophilia Cruz on October 11th 1964. Settling in Freeport, Texas before having two sons, Martin and Matt.
Rocky was first and foremost an exemplary family man. Husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and godfather. The phrase “never met a stranger” might have been created because of him. He truly never met a stranger. Always ready with a story about Brazoria County history, sports, family or really anything, he was a wealth of knowledge. His quick wit and humor drew people to him and he could comfortably speak with a group of executives or young kids.
His true passion outside of family was sports. Playing, coaching, watching and most definitely talking about them. He was an all star baseball player in Angleton growing up and still had many friends from this time in his life, attending reunions and getting together for meals. When he would talk about these reunions he would say, “The older we get, the better we were”. He also played with the Angleton Indians and had aspirations to play at a higher level.
While in the Army, he was a member of a traveling baseball team and got to travel around Europe. He played softball for many years after his Army days and was well known in the area. He played for the Cardinals, and Brazos Sports softball teams and a few others. Some were local “All Star” teams that would travel around the state for tournaments. He would say he was a “pretty good” player but almost everyone would say he was a “really good” player.
He passed this passion of sports to his sons and as his playing days were slowly winding down he started coaching and teaching with that same passion he had as a player. He was a coach on every youth team for his sons. Never missing practices or games.
Rocky was preceded in death by his wife Ophilia Martinez, Parents, Anastacio and Petra Martinez, Brothers Felix Martinez, Otilio Martinez, Silvestre Martinez, Juan Martinez and Mario Martinez. Sisters Mary Martinez, Ysabel Martinez, Carolina Martinez and Daughter in Law Christine Roerden Martinez.
Survived by sons Martin (Amy) Martinez, Riesel, TX and Matt Martinez, Baumholder, Germany, Ramona Trevino (sister), Domingo Martinez Sr. (brother), Laura Perez (God Daughter), Michael “Leroy” Martin and many nephews, nieces, relatives and close friends.
He worked at Dow Chemical Texas and Dow International Divisions retiring after 31 years. He didn’t stay retired long and soon after joined BISD at Brazoswood High School in the ESL Department retiring in 2012.
Rocky also served as the City of Richwood Municipal Court Judge from 1986 – 2006.
Throughout his life Rocky enjoyed being a servant to the community and volunteered time in various organizations such as St. Jeromes Catholic Church, Freeport and Clute Little League, Clute Teenage Baseball, Freeport Boys Club (now the Freeport Boys and Girls Club), Knights of Columbus, Habitat for Humanity, Brazoria County Hispanic Lions Club and the Brazoswood Quarterback Club.
Serving as Pallbearers - Robert Luna, Mike Tobola, Zach Wintjen, Bryson Wintjen, Rumaldo Sanchez, Michael Martin
The family would like to thank Lori Mobley of IPH Home Health Care, CHI St. Lukes, and Country Village Care.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you remember Rocky with a donation to the American Cancer Society.
FAMILY
Survived by sons Martin (Amy) Martinez, Riesel, TX and Matt Martinez, Baumholder, Germany, Ramona Trevino (sister), Domingo Martinez Sr. (brother), Laura Perez (God Daughter), Michael “Leroy” Martin and many nephews, nieces, relatives and close friends.
PALLBEARERS
Robert Luna
Mike Tobola
Zach Wintjen
Bryson Wintjen
Rumaldo Sanchez
Michael Martin
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