Rudolph Donnel Braxton Sr. was born in Norfolk, Virginia, to James Motrgan Braxton and Louise Holley-Braxton. He was lovingly raised until the age of 17 by his uncle and aunt, Johnny and Maude Summerville.

Rudolph graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Norfolk, Virginia. After graduation, he left Norfolk for the big city of New York, settling in Manhattan to live with his father, James, and his stepmother, Ruth Braxton.

At the urging of his stepmother Ruth, Rudolph began his career at English Silver, a packing plant. He had a strong desire to pursue work in electronics and did very well as an electrician. Because of racial barriers at the time, he was only able to obtain an apprentice license.

He later began his journey with the United States Post Office in New York as an entry-level mail handler. Through dedication and perseverance, he worked his way up to Supervisor of Mail Classification and retired from the post office in 2001 after 31 years of service.

Rudolph met and married the love of his life, Katherine Braxton, who preceded him in death. From this union, one child was born, Rudolph Braxton Jr. Although Rudolph and Katherine later divorced, they remained the best of friends and stayed close until her passing in 2025.

Retirement, Community, and Fellowship

After his divorce and retirement, Rudolph made the decision to move back home to Norfolk, Virginia, to be closer to his siblings and other family.

In retirement, Rudolph invested his time in many hobbies and acts of service. He was an expert fisherman, though he did not eat fish himself. He was known to catch pounds of fish and give them to those who loved fish. Uncle Rudolph was an avid sports fan. He especially loved the New York Mets as well as the New York Jets..

He began attending St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church in Portsmouth, Virginia, and loved working with the church's food ministry. He could often be seen driving around giving food to the community.

Rudolph also continued his affiliation with Prince Hall Mason-Shiloh Lodge #53 in Englewood, New Jersey. During his fellowship, he obtained the status of 33rd Degree during his active years.

Rudolph shared his home with his beloved dog, Prince, who preceded him in death. He also befriended a squirrel that lived in the tree outside his home. Visitors could often pull up and see the squirrel eating peanuts from his hand, a simple joy that brought Rudolph boundless happiness.

Those Left to Cherish His Memory

Rudolph leaves a host of family and friends to mourn his passing and cherish his memory, including Rudolph Braxton Jr. (son); his sister Audrey Bond (James, deceased); his sister Maurice Braxton-Grant (James, deceased); Helen Braxton-Hunt (deceased) and Talmadge; a special niece, Alyta Mack; a special nephew, Reginald Bond Sr.; and his committed caregiver, Lolita Toney.

He also developed lifelong friendships in New York, New Jersey, and Virginia. Among the friends who never lost touch were Dezi and Maddie.

Uncle Rudolph loved the song “I Did It My Way” by Frank Sinatra, and if you knew him, you knew he truly did it his way.