It is with heavy hearts that we share that our dear friend and colleague, Al Prieto, passed away over the weekend in a tragic car accident. Al was driving home from a gymnastics meet with his son Antonio, who had been competing in the event, and his wife Danielle. Sadly, they all perished in a fatal car accident, leaving behind two sons, Roberto and Alec, who are being looked after by other family members.
This devastating news comes as an absolute shock to all of us. Al was a larger than life individual whose energy, passion and gusto were unique unto him. He made a positive impact on colleagues, clients, and candidates alike. Within the Firm, Al wore many hats over the years, including Global Head of the Healthcare Practice and Managing Partner of the New York office. In all his leadership roles, Al drove the business and moved the needle in ways that have had a lasting impact on the firm and its growth trajectory. He had the capacity to shoulder a tremendous workload, and to play at the very top of the Fortune 100, and with entrepreneurial growth companies, always investing time to develop people in his office and practice group, while giving clients sound advice and building caring and trusting relationships with candidates. Al made it all look easy, with his boundless energy, his unmistakable smile, and the twinkle in his eye. He truly cared about the Firm and was absolutely invested in its success, which manifested in his client work and the vast number of colleagues he mentored. He helped build one of the most diverse offices in the Firm by any metric, and was never shy to stand up for what and who he believed in. But more than anything, Al was a family man first; a proud father of three boys and a dedicated husband. For those who knew Danielle, she was the perfect match for Al – a career woman, always with an opinion, and a heart of gold.
As one colleague stated:
“Each time we met, we discussed family. He was a family man, proud and caring, with boundless energy. He touched hearts, he invited us to think big – he had really big visions – and an even bigger heart. Al was a person who was giving not taking, wherever he was, whatever he did. He was a real role model, leader, and source of inspiration. Our deep, deep sadness is a sign of how great and unique Al was. Luckily, he had many leadership roles in the Firm and hence he could touch and inspire many. What a man.”
The outpouring of love and gratitude for Al has been overwhelming. Clients and candidates saw him as one of the most giving and dedicated advisors they have ever worked with, and colleagues have relayed innumerable stories about his impact on them through his support, vulnerability, and sense of humor.
In some ways, Al seemed superhuman, which in part makes his passing so unfathomable. Our hearts go out to his family and his loved ones, and we have offered the full support of the Firm to them. Let us take a moment to keep him and his family in our thoughts and prayers, and to honor the legacy he has left behind. He will stay in our hearts forever.
Click here for more information about the family’s obituary, services, and memorial contributions.
