Gustavo Costabel
It was the year 1975 when our humble family, from Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay, welcomed with great joy a young student from the United States named Martin Schmoldt, as part of the Youth for Understanding exchange program.
Although the exchange lasted only two months, something truly miraculous happened: a deep, sincere, almost brotherly friendship was born—one that withstood time and distance for nearly fifty years.
Marty, along with his beloved parents Myron and Shirley, became part of our family, even though we never met them in person. Through letters filled with affection and stories, he accompanied us through every stage of life: celebrating our wedding, my graduation as a physician, the arrival and growth of our children. And he also shared our sorrows, like the passing of my parents, and later, the farewell to his own.
Upon learning of his passing into another dimension, we feel immense sadness. We are overwhelmed with grief, but also with deep gratitude for having had the privilege of knowing such a noble, generous, and endearing person. Marty will live forever in our hearts as long as we live.
We send a heartfelt embrace to his dear siblings Dianna, Terry, Margaret, Eddie, and Karen, and to the entire Schmoldt family, who, without knowing it, were also part of ours.
Thank you, Marty—for your unconditional friendship, your quiet yet constant presence, and for being, from afar, a true brother of the soul.
Gustavo Costabel and family
Montevideo, Uruguay
June 25, 2025