Paul Guma Obituary

GUMA Paul Guma, a native of New Orleans, LA, died Jan. 19, 2010 in Houston at the age of 90. He is survived by his daughters, Kristel Peale and Karen Guma, son-in-law, Dr. Robert Peale, and brother AJ Guma of New Orleans. Upon completion of his Masters in Music at LSU, he was stationed in Boston during WWII where he met his wife, Helen. After the war, he returned to NO, where he was a professional musician for decades, excelling at guitar, clarinet and saxophone. He played for symphony, opera and ballet orchestras, WDSU-TV, the Blue Room of the Roosevelt, and with many notable musicians and entertainers including Pete Fountain and Al Hirt. Eventually, he formed his own group at the Top of the Mart ('67-'72). He still made time to teach music at Loyola University (for 15 years), Tulane University ('57-61) Xavier University and Warren Easton High School ('58-'63). In 1972, Paul and Helen retired to Marco Island, FLA where he continued playing music until his wife's death in '89. In '91, Paul moved to Houston to live with his daughter, Kristel and her husband, Dr. Robert Peale. In Houston, Paul played at the Houston Racquet Club well into his eighties. Paul is remembered as a gentle, quiet, loyal man with integrity and a delightful sense of humor. He was loved and admired by all who knew him. Paul's funeral will be held in New Orleans on Feb. 6 at Holy Name of Jesus Church, 6363 St. Charles Ave on the Loyola University campus at 11am. The visitation will be held from 9am-11am at the St. Ignatius Chapel in Bobet Hall behind the church on Loyola's campus. The interment will be at Metairie Cemetary after the funeral. If anyone would like to make a donation in his name, the family suggests directing the donation to the Parkinson's Society.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Times-Picayune from Feb. 3 to Feb. 5, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul Guma

6 Entries

Brayton Matthews

July 2, 2023

It´s been a while professor I so enjoyed my year 1963 with you my music Director at Warren. Thanks for the wonderful memories and the time I spent listening your quartet Top of the Mark.
Brayton Matthews
W.E. `63-`65

Beth Romaguera Theriot

February 16, 2021

Karen, you may not remember me, I am Beth Romaguera Theriot. We knew each other at Saint Matthias. I hope you are doing well now if you’d like to get in touch with me my last name now is Theriot. [email protected]

Linda Drucker (Goldberg)

February 13, 2010

I am saddened to learn of the passing of my former clarinet teacher, Mr. Paul Guma. I have fond memories of the music lessons he taught me, and going to The Top Of The Mart to hear him play the clarinet. I was in awe of his music. I went on to get a music degree at Loyola U. I received my Masters of Music Education in New York and am now a retired music teacher. I will always remember Mr. Guma with respect, greatfulness and admiration.

Jim Conley

February 3, 2010

One day in spring of 1962, a few of us went into the band room, where Mr. Guma proceeded to pick out on guitar any song, including pop ones we knew, that we suggested. Ten years later, after the class of 62's reunion, we went to the Top O' the Mart, where we had a wonderful time listening to him and his combo. What a wonderful smiling man, with so much talent. I've thought of him often over the years. I have to figure he's part of a heavenly band now.

Frank Sanders

February 3, 2010

As a young clarinet player in the Colton Jr. High Band and Nicholls Senior High Band, I would always hear Paul's name being mentioned among the band directors like Joe Lewis (Nicholls) and Rudy Valentino (Colton), especially during the high school LMEA band competitions each year. I'm sure I was introduced to him, but (as I said) I was on the student level at that time, so I didn't know him personally. The general conversation about Paul during the late 50's and early 60's always revolved around his skills as a band director and his gentle, quiet approach with his student band members. He was not only well respected by band directors from other high schools, but from other high school student musicians as well. God bless Paul.
Frank Sanders (Nicholls High School, 1960)

Charles O'Neal

February 3, 2010

Your memory and life lessons will be with me forever, your student at Warren Easton & Tulane '58 &59. You taught me more than just music.

Thank you for being a part of my life.
Charles R. O'Neal

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results