MARTINEZ, Rodrigo A.

Arizona Daily Sun, Flagstaff, AZ Thursday, April 29, 2010 Rodrigo A. Martinez, 72, of Camp Verde, died April 25, 2010. He was born Jan. 23, 1938, in Aguascalientes, Mexico, to the late Luciano and Everarda (Araiza) Martinez. At age 20, Mr. Martinez came to Arizona and soon married his sweetheart, Anita Garcia. Together they owned and operated La Fonda Mexican Food Restaurant in Camp Verde. Mr. Martinez was a self-educated and honorable man who firmly believed that many of life's challenges could be overcome with hard work. He was also a talented guitarist and singer, having performed with the Los Rumberos Band and various mariachi groups. He was an avid Arizona Diamondbacks fan. Mr. Martinez was a devout member of St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus and member of the church choir. He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Anita; his children, Angela McGinn (Dan), Mary Martinez (Damian), and Steve Martinez (Maria); five grandchildren; sisters Rosa Stewart and Concepcion Martinez; brother Jesus Martinez; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Luciano and Everarda Martinez; brother Luciano Martinez, Jr.; and sister Graciela Ibarra. A visitation will be Friday at 6 p.m. with a vigil/rosary beginning at 7 p.m. at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday at 11 a.m., also at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, 781 S. Cliffs Parkway, Camp Verde. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the Arizona Kidney Foundation, 4203 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85018 or at www.azkidney.org. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.buelerfamilyfuneralhome.com. Bueler Camp Verde Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.