Paul Jacob Bongartz

Paul Jacob Bongartz, 60, of Centreville, VA, passed away on June 7, 2024. He was born on August 21, 1963, in Pittsburgh, PA. Paul was a beloved husband, father, brother, friend, and co-worker.

Paul graduated from The Pennsylvania State University in 1985 with a degree in Finance. At Penn State, Paul was a member and student leader of the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity. He earned his MBA, with an Accounting focus, from the American University Kogod School of Business in 1989. Paul also earned his CPA. Paul began a career at Marriott International (Bethesda, MD) which eventually spanned 25 years. A strategic leader with Marriott's Corporate Accounting Services (CAS), Paul applied his considerable analytical and technical skills, paired with big-picture thinking, to drive design and implementation of enterprise-level financial systems and solutions, including the best-in-class Marrpay® Payroll system.

In addition to sheer intellect and curiosity, Paul was known for his kind and patient nature, his genuine interest in the lives of friends and co-workers, devoted readership of The Wall Street Journal and comic strips, dedicated listener of WAMU, his love for chocolate and sweets, and his adventurous spirit when it came to trying new cuisines. Paul's love for learning and problem-solving was evident in his pursuit of knowledge and his ability to connect with others. Paul loved to travel and embrace new journeys with friends and family. Paul also enjoyed baking and gardening and was a fan of musical theater, which he passed along to his sons.

As a founding member of the Happy Valley Investment Club, Paul (with CPA license) long served as club treasurer, contributing greatly to the peace of mind of other club members.

Despite facing a degenerative neurological genetic condition, Spinocerebellar Ataxia-type 3, for over 24 years, Paul showed incredible strength, perseverance, and resilience. He was a devoted father who enjoyed reading to his children in both English and Spanish, emphasizing the importance of experiencing different cultures and perspectives.

Paul is survived by his husband, Luis Larrazabal, his sons Sean and Robert Larrazabal, his beloved boston terrier Kimb, his brothers Eric Bongartz (Roger Ross) and Noel Bongartz (Janet Bongartz), his sister Teresa Bongartz, his father-in-law Alfredo Larrazabal, sisters-in-law Elizabeth Larrazabal and Maria Vargas (Carlos Vargas), brother-in-law Alfredo Larrazabal (Agatha Larrazabal), extended family members and close personal friends, who he considered family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Ellen Bongartz, his brother Gerard Bongartz, and his mother-in-law Eleonora Larrazabal.

A Celebration of Life service in honor of Paul for family, friends, colleagues, and fraternity brothers will be held on Sunday, June 23, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Unity of Fairfax, 2854 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton, VA 22124. For those unable to attend in person, the service can be viewed live or later on the Unity of Fairfax website at unityoffairfax.org/live. On the homepage, simply click the "VIDEO" button in the upper right hand corner.

Paul's legacy of resilience, love, and curiosity will forever be cherished by those who knew him. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of crossing paths with him. Please keep Paul in your hearts for as long as you can.