Telbert Zacharia Martin

August 19, 1947 - February 2, 2026 With heavy hearts, we share the passing of our beloved father, husband, grandfather, brother, and friend, Telbert "Rudolph" Martin. Born and raised in Bendals, Antigua, to Edward and Octavia Martin, Rudolph carried the strength, warmth, and communal spirit of his home with him throughout his life. In 1966, he moved to St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where he built a life rooted in hard work, generosity, and service for others. For 30 years, Rudolph worked at the Hess Oil refinery in St. Croix, rising through the ranks to become a supervisor. He was well-known-almost famous-among his coworkers, respected for his work ethic, humility, and intelligent approach to solving problems. He earned his success the honest way: by showing up, working hard, and treating people with fairness and respect. To his family and the many people whose lives he touched, Telbert was more than his job. He was a man of warmth and quiet selflessness. He loved through acts of service. Even after his passing, our family has been surrounded by stories from friends, distant relatives, and even strangers whose lives were made easier because of him-rides to the airport, help jump-starting a car, lending a hand to build a house, fixing what was broken when someone didn't know where else to turn. Helping people wasn't something he did for recognition; it was simply who he was. Though he carried a cool, calm, and sometimes stern look, he was quick to smile and tell a well-timed joke. In moments of stress or trouble, he was the person you called-because he brought calm, clarity, and solutions to any problem. He had a way of grounding the people around him, making hard moments feel manageable just by being there. Rudolph was a large man in every sense of the word-tall, strong, muscular, with hands that were larger than life. His strength was legendary, but even more powerful was the way he used it: to lift others up, to fix what was broken, and to make people feel safe and supported. The neighborhood handyman, he found joy in tinkering-building cabinets, repairing household appliances and cars, and using his woodworking and repair skills to make someone else's day easier. He leaves behind his wife Jane-Ann, his children-Steve, Dean, Marlon, and Latoya from his previous marriage to Ruth, and Michael and Jabari-his step-children Patrick and Randolin-and nine grandchildren-Kyle, Emily, Raiden, ReAnn, Montel, Kayah, Cali, Levinna, and Patrick-who will hear neverending stories about the man their grandfather was. He is also survived by his siblings: Genevieve, Caswell, Christine, Ashton, Hazel, Ineta, and Edwin, along with a wide circle of extended family, friends, and colleagues who felt his impact in big and small ways. Lastly, he was preceded in death by his brother, Keith, who he is now reunited with in peace. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, February 11th at 2:00 PM in Jacksonville, Florida, at 702 Margaret St, Jacksonville, FL 32204. Viewing will begin at 1:00 PM and continue until 7:00 PM. Telbert "Rudolph" Martin lived a life defined by strength, generosity, and quiet leadership. His legacy is found not only in the family he raised, but in the countless people he helped along the way. He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.