Ricky James Brodel

March 5, 1957 – June 1, 2025

Ricky James Brodel of Weslaco, Texas, died June 1, 2025, at Knapp Medical Center in Weslaco, Texas following a brief but brave fight with cancer.

“RJ,” as he was known to his family and friends, was born in Seattle, Washington on March 5, 1957, and spent most of his formative years In Issaquah, Washington. He participated in football and track while attending Issaquah High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and graduated top marine from basic training at Marine Corp Recruit Training Depot in San Diego, California. Following the Marine Corps, he was employed in various jobs, including as a long-line fisherman off the coast of Alaska and as a short and long-haul driver for various trucking companies.

Although he was a Washington native, Rick moved to Texas in 2002 and became a dedicated Texan by heart. He was most comfortable with his boots, cowboy hat, line dancing, karaoke, and country western music.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Veronica, “Betty,” Martinez Brodel, and his mother, Madge Brodel. He leaves behind his father, John Brodel of Yorktown, Virginia, two brothers, John Brodel of Kirkland, Washington, and Robert Brodel of Yorktown, Virginia, his daughter, Brittney Martin of Sammamish, Washington, and Betty’s children Leticia Martinez of Austin Texas and Monica Martinez-Campos of Harlingen, Texas.