Rodney William Martin

Rodney “Rod” Martin passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 17th at the age of 92. He happened to pass away at the exact time the Niner/Ram game kicked off, so his family is confident that he had a front row seat! Born in San Jose, California, Rod grew up with one sister, Francis, in Santa Clara and lived there all his life. He was born on July 14th, 1931 to Mary Vasconcellos Martin and Francis Martin. His mother died when Rodney was seven; as such, he was raised by his adoring grandparents.

Rodney attended Bellarmine College Prep and after high school asked the love of his life to marry him. Ann Leslie said yes, but only after she earned her degree in education. While Rodney was waiting for Ann Leslie to finish college, he joined our United States Navy where he served in the Korean War aboard the USS Ulvert M. Moore for four years. Ann Leslie and Rodney were married in 1955 and had five children: Paul Martin, Clare Martin Vickers (Mike Marchisio), John (Lisa) Martin; Chris (Danielle) Martin, Jim (Cristi) Martin. Rodney was the proud grandfather of eleven children: Katie, Brett, Blake, Patrick, Jeffrey, Ryan, Grace, Alex, Jake, Molly, and Addison, and the proud great grandfather of Logan, Stevie, Eleanor and Whit.

Rod earned a BA and Masters in education from San Jose State University. Afterwards, he went on to be a popular wood and metal shop teacher at Wilson Junior High until he became an Assistant Principal and then Principal at Juan Cabrillo Junior High in Santa Clara Unified. Rodney always put students first; numerous former students over the years sought Mr. Martin out to tell him just how much he made a difference in their lives. After Rod retired from Santa Clara Unified, he went on to serve at both Bellarmine in San Jose and St. Francis High School in Mt. View. Rodney served in the Grand Jury for multiple years and enjoyed it greatly. He truly made a difference in all the roles that he played.

Rodney is survived by his adoring wife Ann Leslie; the couple was married for 69 years. Rodney, “Poppy”, was the centerpiece of the family. His gregariousness and love of life permeated the home that was always open for family members and friends. The memories that remain are of Poppy cooking, working on his Cobra, golfing, discussing education and giving stellar advice, and his clever one liner puns that his grandchildren fondly call “Poppy Jokes”.

The family would like to thank the medical team of Kaiser Hospice for their care and expertise in caring for Rodney and educating Team Poppy. Friends and family are invited to celebrate Rodney’s life at a memorial mass at St. Justin Catholic Church in Santa Clara on Saturday, November 18th at 10:30 AM.