Mark Peter Rodriguez

Mark Peter Rodriguez Obituary

Mark Rodriguez, 56, was lovingly called home to Jesus from St Joseph’s Hospital & Medical Center in Phoenix, AZ after a 4 month fight to overcome a medical anomaly related to his cervical spine. Preceding him in death were his parents, Imelda & Robert Rodriguez and his brother, Ronald Rodriguez. He is survived by his wife Sandra Vacca de Rodriguez; his daughter Marielle Rodriguez and grandson Jax Lujan, sisters Roberta Robinson (Gordon), Barbara Menke (John), Linda Rodriguez Brandt (Marc), Laura Vieira (Walt), brothers David Rodriguez (Patricia), Ernie Rodriguez (Geri), Billy Rodriguez (Natalie). He was also a significant role model in the lives of Letitia and Jonathan, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and cherished loved ones.

Mark was born on July 8, 1969 in his beloved Santa Fe, New Mexico. He attended SFHS and graduated in 1987. He played varsity basketball, All District, and North All Star. He attended and played college basketball at NMHU and Cañada College in Redwood City California. Also nicknamed “Coach”, he was assistant girls basketball coach at Capital High and was head girls coach at Santa Fe Preparatory. Known as an accomplished and artistic stone mason with a natural gift for his craft, he completed many projects not only in Santa Fe, but throughout the state of New Mexico. Consequently, he was a two time double lung transplant recipient and survivor who thrived. After transplant, he went on to compete in The National Transplant games and earned silver and bronze medals.

He collaborated with Donate Life NM & NMMVD as a spokesman for organ donation and also advocated against domestic violence. He returned back to his passion in 2020 to create and construct the entrance wall at The Club at Las Campanas and was also recognized for his work at the Santa Fe National Veteran’s Cemetery 2021. He was a powerful public speaker, inspirational life coach and published author. All of which culminated from his vast life experience, perseverance, warrior spirit, selfless acts of giving and strong faith in God.

Most recently, he had TeamNM reinstated into the 2026 Transplant Games of America to be held in Denver this June. He is most revered by those that knew him as a passionate force of nature, incredible motivator, loyal friend, and mentor. As he would say, “Stay strong, stay blessed, stay in the light and always stay in your fight!”

Celebration of Life Monday, April 13, 2026 at 5 pm St. Francis Auditorium NMMA 107 Palace Avenue Santa Fe, NM 87501.

Rosary 10:30 am Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at Cathedral Basilica of St Francis of Assisi followed by his Funeral Mass at 11 am and Christian Burial at Rosario Cemetery Santa Fe, NM.

In remembrance of Mark’s life and passion, please consider a donation to TeamNM for The Transplant Games of America 2026.

Flowers are appreciated for Mark’s Celebration of Life St Francis Auditorium NMMA April 13th