Obituary of Martin Lee Rudolph

Martin Lee (Marty) Rudolph, age 61, passed suddenly on January 9, 2019. He was born October 28, 1957 to the late Chester V. Rudolph and Bernice Meyer Rudolph of Broomall, PA. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of over 20 years, Barbara (nee Tunnell), whom he adored. He is also survived by his brother Stephen Rudolph, Sr. (Rita), sisters Janette Pizarro (Dana), Virginia Zahn (William), Suzanne Cassel (Donald) numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Marty’s love of cars led him to work in the auto repair industry where he held many different positions. He retired in 2018 from Martin Collision in Bala Cynwyd, PA where he worked for almost 20 years. Marty had many interests including NASCAR, American and world history and traveling. He was an avid reader with a vast library of his favorite authors. A passionate scuba diver and underwater photographer, Marty dove all over the world. His most memorable dive trip was to Truk Lagoon in the South Pacific where he spent two weeks diving and photographing the Japanese warships that were sunk in 1944. It was the perfect match of his love of diving and love of history.

Marty’s love of diving and interest in paying it forward led him to the non-profit organization Beneath the Sea (www.beneaththesea.org) in 1990. While volunteering with BTS, he met fellow volunteer Barbara, who later became his wife. Marty received the President’s Award from the organization in 2014 and over the years received 4 Medals of Excellence. After more than 25 years each with BTS, Marty and Barb retired from the organization in 2017 but BTS will always be family.

Marty will be remembered as an easy going and kind man with a gentle smile and helping hand. Whenever he was asked how he was doing, his response was always “Livin’ the dream!”

Two memorial services will be held to celebrate Marty’s life: In South Carolina, a visitation and memorial service will be held on Tuesday, January 22, 2019, at Bethany United Methodist Church, Spell Chapel, 118 West Third Street South, Summerville, SC 29485. Visitation will start at 10:00 AM and the service at 11:00 AM. There will be a reception and refreshments for all in attendance immediately following the service. In Pennsylvania, a visitation and memorial service will be held on Tuesday, January 29, 2019, at Lower Providence Presbyterian Church, 3050 West Ridge Pike, Eagleville, PA 19403. Visitation will start at 9:30 AM and the service at 11:00 AM. There will be a reception and refreshments for all in attendance immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Marty’s name to either the South Carolina Aquarium (donate.scaquarium.org) under the designation “sea turtle care center” OR the Beneath the Sea Scholarship Fund (www.beneaththesea.org)