Rafael Ramon Rodriguez Martino, 85, passed away in Hardee County on October 11, 2026. He was born to Pedro Rodriguez and Carmen Martino on December 21, 1940, in  Santurce, Puerto Rico. He had lived in Miami for a while before moving to Hardee County in 1972, where he made his living working for Mosaic as a welder. He loved fishing, reading, and leading people to the Lord.

Rafael is preceded in death by both parents, his loving wife Betty Rodriguez, and his son Raymond Rodriguez. He is survived by his son Ralph Rodriguez of Lehigh Acres, Florida; his daughter Rebecca Prentice of Wauchula, Florida; his brothers Julio Rodriguez Martino, Henry Rodriguez Martino, and Ricardo Rodriguez Martino; his sisters Martha Rodriguez and Maritza Santa Cruz. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren and a 1 great-grandchild. Rafael will be greatly missed by all who knew him.