Paul Gilbert Berumen

Paul Gilbert Berumen, 57, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, after battling cancer. Born on April 23, 1967, in Phoenix, Arizona, to Gilbert and Olga Berumen, Paul was a respected and deeply cherished person and a loving husband to his wife, Monica Hernandez.

He lived a life rich with purpose, surrounded by his beloved wife, immediate family, multiple generations of relatives, close friends, his Marine brotherhood, and an extensive network of colleagues and professionals.

Inspired by his father and extended family who served in the military, Paul proudly joined the United States Marine Corps Reserve and served as a Sergeant in Operation Desert Shield/Storm.

Paul was driven by a strong and dedicated passion for his work. Paul’s professional journey spanned over 30 years, beginning with his work at the Arizona-Mexico Commission, and later with the City of Phoenix, where he served as Assistant to the Mayor. His career also included roles with the City of Mesa, Arizona State University, the Transportation Security Administration, and a return to the City of Phoenix, where he contributed significantly to airport security and public safety programs. 

Paul’s love for Phoenix, his hometown, was reflected in his dedication to shaping the city through both professional initiatives and community involvement.

In 2009, Paul and Monica, along with their dog Leo, moved to Washington D.C., where Paul contributed to the mission of the TSA. In 2018, Paul came back to Phoenix to continue his career path and enjoy quality time with his wife, parents, family, and friends. 

Paul had a zest for life that was evident in everything he did. Some of his most treasured memories were spent with family and friends, including:

• Being an amazing uncle to his nephew and nieces. 

• Seeing his great nieces grow and joining them on their first trip to Disneyland.

• Cheering and supporting his nieces during their basketball tournaments and grooming their competitive nature. 

• Cheering loudly and full of passion for the LA Dodgers and ASU Sun Devils. 

• Relishing many ASU football tailgate gatherings in Tempe. 

• Spending countless Thursdays golfing (or near-golfing) in the scorching heat with dear friends at Encanto Golf Course. 

• Enjoying family gatherings at Red Devil Pizza.

• Traveling far and close – especially to various regions in Mexico, where he fell in love with Mexico City and Oaxaca. 

• Reconnecting with the members of his Marine troop.

• Being a godfather.

• Officiating his nephew's wedding – a very special moment for Paul. 

Paul took great pride in his quest to stay fit and healthy. He enjoyed hiking at North Mountain and Piestewa Peak, participating in spin classes, yoga and boxing training, and the annual Pat’s Run, along with many other 5Ks, and often meeting his goal of an 11-minute per mile pace. Following in his mother’s steps, he made it a point to get in a daily walk or two – a must for Paul. 

He enjoyed reading, often reading multiple books at once, collected quotes that inspired him, and took pride in his broad music collection that spanned various genres – from country music to hardcore rap, corridos norteños, cumbias, and ballads by Frank Sinatra, to name a few. 

He delighted in collecting ASU gear – Paul was known for often wearing ASU maroon and gold. He claimed pizza as his favorite food, savored a good homemade steak with a red peppery cabernet (a Sunday favorite), looked forward to the Hallmark Christmas movie season, and enjoyed fishing solo or with friends in Arizona’s White Mountains.

Paul was introduced to his religion from an early age and was a man of deep-rooted faith. He graduated from Saint Mary's Catholic High School, was married at St. Gregory Catholic Church, and turned to his faith in God to help him find peace, strength, and courage to battle cancer. 

Paul was preceded in death by his mother, Olga S. Berumen, and is survived by his wife, Monica Hernandez; father, Gilbert Berumen; and his younger brother, Mark Berumen (Lee-Anne).

Paul’s legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him, and we will cherish his joy and passion for life through the many special memories he leaves behind.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, January 31, 2025 at Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 4715 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85012 at 10:00 A.M. with visitation at 9 A.M. The Funeral Mass will be followed by military honors and a luncheon at Anderson Hall, located next to the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. Donate by phone at 855-448-3997 or online at: https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org