Egidio M. M. Martinez Fuenzalida

Egidio M. Martínez Fuenzalida 103, of Carmel, IN passed away peacefully on January 11th, 2025. Born on May 23, 1921, in Santiago, Chile to Adela Fuenzalida de Martínez and Pedro Martínez García. From a young age he was very athletic, an avid swimmer, a gymnast, cyclist, and soccer player. He also enjoyed horseback riding, which he had the opportunity to perfect during his military service as part of the Chilean calvary infantry in 1939.

As the oldest boy in a family of 8 children, he took charge of the family business following his father’s passing. After a few years of training, two of his younger brothers took over the business, so he could continue his studies. He attended the Facultad de Comercio y Ciencias Económicas at the Universidad Católica de Chile, where he earned a degree in business administration. He was also the oldest member of the university’s gymnastics team.

In 1947, Egidio met his sister’s best friend Violeta Gana Navarro. It was love at first sight, and the couple married January 16, 1949, beginning a life journey that lasted 74 years. They settled in Santiago, where he owned and operated several businesses until 1974, when they emigrated to the United States. The family settled in Springfield, Missouri. In 1984 he and his wife Violeta proudly became American citizens. Egidio worked at St. John’s Hospital, later Mercy Hospital, until his retirement in 1992. In 2010 the couple moved to Carmel, IN to be closer to their daughter and her family.

Egidio is preceded in death by his beautiful wife, who passed October 4th, 2023. He is survived by his daughters Viviana Koukoulomatis (Dimitri), Odilia Martínez de Gatica (Pedro), who reside in Chile, 3 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren, a brother Enrique Martínez (Blanca), and many nieces and nephews.

Family and close friends will gather to celebrate Egidio’s and Violeta’s long, beautiful lives in a private Mass at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, followed immediately with Inurnment at Our Lady of Peace Cemetery 9001 N. Haverstick Road, Indianapolis.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Egidio’s & Violeta’s memory to The O’Connor House online at theoconnorhouse.org and/or to the Merciful Help Center, 1045 W. 146th St., Unit A, Carmel, IN 46032.

Leppert Mortuary & Crematory Services is privileged to assist the family in arrangements.