Alonso Martinez
Abilis is saddened to announce the passing of Alonso Martinez, a special friend and former Abilis Board chairperson.
Alonso Martinez, resident of Old Greenwich and Stamford, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on April 24, surrounded by the love of his family and friends.
Alonso was born on June 15, 1955, in Bogota, Colombia. On October 8, 1988, he married Adriana Ospina. In 2023 they celebrated over 35 years of marriage. Alonso and Adriana’s marriage was a true partnership in every sense of the word. They were friends, and partners, and knew what the other was thinking sometimes before they were thinking it. They weathered countless personal heartaches and setbacks but always with hands held and hearts together.
Alonso graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering from Universidad Nacional de Colombia, a degree in Economics from Universidad Javeriana; he received a M.B.A. and M.S. in Operations Research from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He had a distinguished 26-year career in management consulting, culminating in his role as Senior Vice President at Booz, Allen & Hamilton. In 1982, he joined the firm’s office in Brazil where he played a pivotal role in establishing and overseeing the firm’s offices in every major Latin American country. In 2000, he relocated his family to the United States assuming global responsibilities for key client relationships. Alonso worked with many of the world's largest multinationals and leading local groups in the consumer products, media, steel, and construction materials industries.
Following his retirement from Booz, Allen & Hamilton, Alonso pursued his passion for teaching. He was Project Director and Adjunct Professor at the Wharton School of Business from 2008 to 2013, and Senior Lecturer at Columbia Business School from 2011 to 2024, where he taught courses on growth strategies in emerging markets and developing global capabilities. He combined teaching and research with extensive global experience in strategy consulting, particularly in emerging markets.
As a parent of a child with special needs, in 2014 Alonso joined the Board of Directors of Abilis, a nonprofit in Fairfield County, Connecticut, which provides services and supports for those with disabilities. From 2016 to 2021, Alonso served as the Chair of the Abilis Board of Directors. Under his leadership, Abilis became the gold standard for organizations that serve individuals with special needs and their families.
Beyond his professional and philanthropic endeavors, Alonso found solace and joy in music. He was a talented singer and he loved singing with his daughter Alejandra. He was a kind and loving father whose devotion to his family was unparalleled. He is survived by his mother, Carlota Martinez, his beloved wife, Adriana, and children Alberto (Noelle), Andrea, Alejandra, Elisa, and Isabel, as well as a large extended family.
Alonso fought cancer for 18 months with courage and fortitude, his gentle spirit, boundless love and unwavering positivity evident throughout.
A Celebration of Life with a reception to follow, will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, April 30, at the First Presbyterian Church, 1 W. Putnam Avenue in Greenwich, Connecticut. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Abilis, Inc. at abilis.us, to honor Alonso’s memory and legacy of supporting and advocating for those with special needs.
