RIO DE JANEIRO –  Norberto Odebrecht, the founder of Brazil’s top construction company, has died of heart problems at the age of 93.

Odebrecht started the company in 1944 in the city of Salvador to carry on his father’s legacy in the construction industry.

The company that carries his name went on to lead ambitious projects such as paving a highway across the Andes mountains and through the Amazon jungle into Peru, and linking Miami’s Metrorail to the city’s airport. It also formed a consortium with other firms and was awarded contracts for four of the 12 stadiums that hosted games for the World Cup that ended last week.

The builder said in a news statement late Saturday that Odebrecht will be buried after a private service in Salvador.