- Roberto Gerlein Echeverría death, was a prominent Colombian politician and Conservative Leader, who served as a senator for over four decades, making him the longest-serving senator in the country’s history.
- He held several other political positions throughout his career, including serving as a member of the Chamber of Representatives, governor of Atlántico, and Minister of Economic Development.
- Gerlein passed away on December 23, 2021, at the age of 83, though the exact cause of his death was not disclosed.
- His long career and dedication to public service have left a lasting impact on Colombia and its political landscape.
Roberto Gerlein Echeverría, a prominent Colombian politician, passed away on December 23, 2021, at the age of 83. He was known for his long and distinguished career in public service, serving as a senator for over four decades.

Roberto Gerlein Echeverría Bio
Full Name | Roberto Víctor Gerlein Echeverría |
Born | November 18, 1938 in Barranquilla, Colombia |
Died | December 23, 2021 (at age 83) in Barranquilla, Colombia |
Education | Pontifical Xavierian University (LLB, LLD) |
Political Party | Conservative Party (after 2006) |
Spouse | Lydia DaMarco Besada |
Children | María Alexandra Gerlein DaMarco |
Siblings | Jorge Alberto Gerlein Echeverría (brother) |
Early Life and Career
Gerlein was born on November 18, 1938, in Barranquilla, Colombia. He studied law at the Pontifical Xavierian University, where he earned both a bachelor’s and a doctorate degree. Before entering politics, he worked as a lawyer.
Political Career
Gerlein’s political career began in 1968 when he was elected to the Chamber of Representatives, representing the department of Atlántico. He served in this role until 1974. In 1974, he was elected governor of Atlántico, a position he held until 1975.
In 1976, Gerlein was elected to the Senate of Colombia, where he would serve for the next 42 years, making him the longest-serving senator in the country’s history. During his time in the Senate, he also served as the Minister of Economic Development from 1982 to 1983.
En colombia hay mucho joven conservador. ¿Que esperan para unirse al partido ?
¡Se les acabó el tiempo! Es la hora de las Nuevas Generaciones 🇨🇴.
Atrévete a ser parte de este equipo💪.
Inscríbete o renueva tus datos aquí👉: https://t.co/SIMOK41Is7— Ivan andres Diaz Barrera (@IvanDiazBarrer1) April 2, 2021
Family and Personal Life
Gerlein was married to Lydia DaMarco Besada, and together they had one child, María Alexandra Gerlein DaMarco. He also had a brother, Jorge Alberto Gerlein Echeverría.
Cause of Death and Net Worth
According to reports, Gerlein died in Barranquilla on December 23, 2021, at the age of 83. The exact cause of his death was not disclosed. His net worth at the time of his passing is also unknown.
Legacy and Impact
Gerlein’s long career in politics and his dedication to public service have left a lasting impact on Colombia. As the longest-serving senator in the country’s history, he played a significant role in shaping the country’s policies and legislation over the course of several decades.
#PlenariaSenado_Mixta | #Debate | S. @EsperanzaSenado, vocera de la bancada @soyconservador, propone que para la reactivación económica se debe mantener el Programa de Apoyo al Empleo Formal y la exención de la sobre tasa del servicio eléctrico hasta diciembre de 2022. pic.twitter.com/MUNf23Bwdr
— Senado de la República 🇨🇴 (@SenadoGovCo) April 21, 2021
FAQs
Q. What was Roberto Gerlein’s political affiliation?
A. Gerlein was a member of the Conservative Party.
Q. How many years did Gerlein serve as a senator?
A. Gerlein served as a senator for 42 years, from 1976 to 2018.
Q. Did Gerlein hold any other political positions besides being a senator?
A. Yes, Gerlein also served as a member of the Chamber of Representatives, governor of Atlántico, and Minister of Economic Development.
Q. What was Gerlein’s educational background?
A. Gerlein studied law at the Pontifical Xavierian University, where he earned both a bachelor’s and a doctorate degree.
Q. Was Gerlein married and did he have any children?
A. Yes, Gerlein was married to Lydia DaMarco Besada, and together they had one child, María Alexandra Gerlein DaMarco.
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Last Updated on July 30, 2024 by 247 News Around The World