Businessman Roberto Motta Alvarado died on April 11 at the age of 86, closing a career closely tied to Panama's corporate, civic, and philanthropic life. His death removes from Panama's business landscape a long-standing executive whose influence extended from corporate boards to educational and civic institutions. The progression reflected the expansion of a business that grew from a modest distributor into a more established operation. Beyond business, Motta Alvarado was active in Panama's civic and institutional life. Those close to him remember him as a man focused on work, faith, and country, whose career integrated the business world with education. He also took part in the founding of the Universidad Católica Santa María La Antigua and was a member of Club Rotario Panamá Sur. Motta Alvarado entered independent entrepreneurship in 1967, when he acquired a small perfume and cosmetics distribution business that had belonged to his uncles Arturo and Alberto Motta. From that starting point, he founded Agencias Motta, S.A. The company began operations on Avenida Central between 1967 and 1969. In 1970 it moved to Vía Frangipani and later relocated to the Industrial Urbanization area in Los Ángeles. He was known as a shareholder and director in several prominent companies and as a figure active in business and social organizations. He served as president of the Asociación de Ejecutivos de Empresa and as a director of the Cámara de Comercio. He was married to Marianela Stanziola González Revilla, and the couple had four children: Roberto III, Emily, Liz Marie, and Félix Miguel. His funeral is scheduled for Monday at 10:00 a.m. at the Parroquia de San Lucas. He stood out for his great contributions to the development of Panama and the Region, especially in the real estate, financial services, insurance and logistics sectors. He was a great defender of ethical and moral values.
