Marcial “Deputy Rod” Rodriguez

Marcial Rodriguez, affectionately known as Deputy Rod, passed away unexpectedly on the night of Friday, October 24, 2025, immediately following his shift. Marcial was born and raised in Queens, NY to Marcial, Sr. and Luz (Padilla) Rodriguez. After high school, Marcial along with his parents and sister relocated to Orlando, Florida. It was in Orlando that he would meet his wife (of nearly 30 years) Carol and eventually marry and relocate to Citrus County. Marcial has worked at Cypress Creek Academy in Lecanto and also Eckerd Youth Academy in Brooksville. After completing the law enforcement academy at the Withlacoochee Vocational School, he worked for a short time with the Inverness Police Dept before joining the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office in August of 2000. Marcial has held various roles and positions throughout his distinguished career. Starting as a Deputy Sheriff, he has served as a Crime Scene Technician, a member of the Bomb Team, Member of the Crisis Negotiation team,

Community Crimes Detective, Domestic Violence Detective, eventually transitioning to School Resource Officer for Pleasant Grove Elementary and then ultimately to School Resource Officer for Crystal River High School for over 7 years. He had the opportunity to switch schools and he respectfully declined stating “these are my kids and this is my school and I am a pirate,” Which made for interesting conversations considering his sons are Hurricanes and his nephew was a Panther. Marcial wasn’t just a cop, he was a brother to many and a mentor to countless young people.

Marcial was preceded in death by his father, Marcial Rodriguez Sr. He is survived by his wife, Carol Cabrera Rodriguez and their sons Isaiah Rodriguez and Josiah Rodriguez of Inverness; his mother Luz Rodriguez of Orlando; his sister Lourdes Rodriguez of Orlando; his nephew Elijah Rosario of Orlando, his niece Ariana Rosario of Orlando; his father-in-law and mother-in-law Paul and Olga Cabrera of Inverness; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Kenny and Kate Cabrera of Inverness; his nephew Joseph Cabrera of Inverness; as well as many relatives and friends who are family; too many to list.

A Celebration of Life honoring Marcial is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, December 6^th, 11:00 a.m., Crystal River High School. Rev. Greg Kell, The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard, Citrus County Sheriff’s Officers, Family and Friends will participate in the celebration.

The Chas E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory is assisting the family

Please keep the Rodriguez family in your thoughts and prayers.