Paul Joseph Guma Yearbook Photo

Paul Joseph Guma is the son of Alphonse John Guma Sr. (1890-1957) and Josephine Honorine Dartigalongue (1890-1983). He was born on June 30, 1919 in New Orleans, Louisiana and had a brother named Alphonse John Guma Jr (1913-2014) also know as "A.J.". He attended Louisiana State University and graduated from the school of music with a Masters in Music. Paul joined the military in June of 1941 and was stationed in Boston during WWII. There, he met his wife, Helen Stephanie Pielka (1920-1989) and they had children Kristel, Paul, and Karen. After the war, they returned to his hometown of New Orleans where he worked as a professional musician for decades, He played the guitar, clarinet and saxophone. He played for the symphony, opera and ballet orchestras. He also taught music at various schools including 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, Florida where they lived until his wife's death. In 1991, Paul moved to Houston to live with his daughter, Kristel and her husband, Dr. Robert Peale. He continued playing music there well in to his 80's. As stated in the Paul Joseph Guma: Obituary, "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."