Paul Beyrooty

September 7, 1954 - May 13, 2022

Paul Michael Beyrooty’s spiritual journey transcended his earthly existence last week and has now moved into an afterlife for which he had long prepared.

A lifelong Christian, Paul died on Friday night, May 13, at Whittier Presbyterian Hospital, his physical end brought about too soon by the COVID disease that overpowered his multiple vaccinations.

Paul, 67, had undergone dialysis treatments three days a week for 11 years -- until he received a kidney transplant in 2019.

Perhaps most famously known in Downey for Beyrooty’s Burger Bar that he owned and operated on Florence Avenue in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s and then again in the late 1980’s, Paul also ran his own house-painting, maintenance, import-export and other businesses, until his health no longer permitted him to perform heavy work.

Born at St. Francis Hospital in Lynwood on Sept. 7, 1954, and raised in Downey, Paul could be quite the rascal to be sure. He cherished his identity as a “Casier Boy,” named for the old Roger Casier Elementary School that served as a hangout for Paul and his young friends, whose hijinks often took place well after curfew. He later attended Gordon Griffiths Junior High School and Warren High School, from which he graduated in 1972.

Paul and his brothers, John and Dennis, played host in recent years to an annual Warren High reunion party at Dennis’ house attended by hundreds of graduates and attendees from the 1960’s and 1970’s, as well as by others from later years who knew the children of the host family.

Always entertaining, Paul loved to joke and tell stories, albeit slightly exaggerated, it turns out, on occasion. He thoroughly enjoyed the many dogs he owned and partnered with in his lifetime and all his animals. He liked to listen to live music, watch movies and sports and was always all in when it came to a good fight. He took particular joy in re-connecting with childhood chums on Facebook.

Unquestionably, though, Paul’s greatest satisfaction and pride came from raising his spectacular sons, Gabriel and Ronny, and watching them evolve into the outstanding young men that they’ve become. He was SO proud. Both followed in his footsteps, going to Warren. Gabriel, 24, graduated from Long Beach State in 2020 and Ronny, 22, will graduate from Ohio State this summer.

Paul’s travels took him overseas and into many corners of the United States, where he worked and lived in Georgia, Vermont and Michigan. But all roads in Paul’s life led back to Downey, where he had resided at the time of his death.

Although he was raised a Catholic and was confirmed into the religion at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, Paul later embraced his own, independent style of Christian worship, one that guided every aspect of his life and marked his interactions with all who knew him for his compassion as well as his sense of justice that sharpened in his later years.

Paul was preceded in death by his Father, John Beyrooty Sr., his Mother, Victoria Cora Beyrooty and his Step-Mother, Mae Vonnie Beyrooty.

Paul is survived by his sons, Gabriel and Ronny, wife Gema Beyrooty, his brothers John and Dennis (Denise), nieces Nichole (Leroy), Brianna (Joe), Victoria, Erin (Andrew) and Laura, a great nephew, Teddy Mae, a great niece, Lyla Mae, Step-Brothers John Sanders (Suely), Tod Sanders (Kathleen), a Step-Sister Lori Schwab (John) and their wonderful families, many, many loving, kind-hearted cousins and a slew of close, special friends.

Our sincere appreciation to Dr. Gary Curtis, Paul’s minister and confidant for the last 26 years.

Paul left a lasting legacy. He will never be forgotten.