Luis Mario Plaza

Luis Mario Plaza was an extraordinary man of deep faith, quiet integrity, and unwavering devotion to his family and community. A lifelong Catholic, Mario lived his faith not through words, but through example, guiding those around him with humility, compassion, and steadfast moral clarity.

Born in Tuluá, Colombia, Mario pursued his education with discipline and purpose. He studied Mechanical Engineering at the Universidad de los Andes in Bogotá and at the University of Illinois, and later earned an MBA from the University of South Carolina. His professional accomplishments, however, never defined him as much as his character did.

Mario was a man of honor, dignity, resilience, and perseverance. For 68 years, he shared a loving and faithful marriage with his wife, Amalia, and together they raised seven children, instilling in them the values of faith, service, respect, and love for others.

He often lived by the saying, “En boca cerrada no entran moscas,” a principle that reflected his nature. A man of integrity, Mario was never heard speaking ill of others, nor engaging in conflict. His strength was quiet, his wisdom measured, and his presence deeply reassuring. He was a pillar of spiritual guidance and friendship to his family and extended circle, offering counsel through example rather than instruction.

A generous man at heart, Mario dedicated his time and resources to numerous charitable organizations in the US and Colombia. He was especially committed to improving the lives of the most vulnerable through his work with Habitat for Humanity, believing deeply in the dignity of providing a home to those in need.

Mario was, above all, a joyful, curious, and adventurous man who embraced life fully. Together with Amalia, he traveled the world with wonder and gratitude, learned to ski and to sail in his forties, swam every day for as long as his body allowed, and, at the remarkable age of 88, completed the final portion of the Camino de Santiago with his sons, a pilgrimage that reflected both his physical determination and his spiritual devotion.

Mario is survived by his beloved wife, Amalia, and by his seven children and their families:

• Mario, married to Susan Stevens-Plaza, and their sons Julian and Andres

• Rosa María, married to Richard Dest, and their children Anthony, Felipe, and Alexandra

• Margarita, and daughter Adriana

• Beatriz, and children Francisco and Carolina

• José, married to Susan Thorsland-Plaza, and their daughters Sofía, Ana, and Karina

• Andrea, and daughters Gabriela and Paulina

• Francisco, and daughter Maya, and step-daughter Jebe

He is also survived by five great-grandchildren.

Mario’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the faith he quietly practiced, the family he deeply loved, and the countless acts of kindness he carried out without seeking recognition. He will be remembered as a man who walked gently, loved generously, and lived faithfully.