Paul Thomas Katsenes

Paul Thomas Katsenes, a proud native Phoenician, passed away on December 20, 2024, at the age of 81. Born on August 11, 1943, Paul lived a life marked by dedication to his family, community, and faith.

Paul attended Machan Elementary School and graduated from North High School in 1961. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Arizona State University in 1967, where he was a devoted member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity - even after graduation. He became the Resident Chapter Advisor in the early 1970s, offering guidance and mentorship to the fraternitys younger members, many of whom have become lifelong friends. His commitment to Sigma Chi remained a steadfast connection throughout his life. He also treasured his North High School classmates (of 63 years!) who to this day meet regularly. It was also during this time Paul served for 6 years in the Army National Guard.

Paul began his career in the family insurance business, Katsenes Insurance, after which he expanded his horizons as an insurance broker in San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego. In 1984, up for a new challenge, he served as Deputy Venue Protocol Manager for Swimming, Diving, and Synchronized Swimming at the XXIII Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The following year, Paul’s love of travel and adventurous spirit took him across the globe, including a remarkable round-the-world journey throughout 1985.

Shortly after returning to Phoenix in 1986, he met Lori, who would become his wife of 32 years. It was around then his next and most notable professional chapter began. Paul dedicated over two decades to public service with the City of Phoenix (1988–2010) in Economic Development which spanned all aspects not the least of which included downtown redevelopment, business retention and attraction, and international protocol opportunities. He was a true Ambassador for the City and the officials he served. In 2010, he continued this meaningful work for the City of Scottsdale before retiring in 2015.

His civic contributions were equally impactful; he served on numerous boards such as the Downtown Phoenix YMCA, Valley Big Brothers, and the Men’s Symphony Council. Paul was also involved with Young Republicans and had continued to serve as a Republican Precinct Committeeman.

As a man of tremendous faith, which was spawned at an early age by his parents, he immersed himself with the Greek Orthodox communities in which he lived. In Los Angeles he was on the Parish Council of Saint Sophia Cathedral from 1974 to 1985 and co-chaired their inaugural Greek Festival in 1981. In Phoenix, in the 1970’s, he was involved in the establishment of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral at its present site, and he continued to make his mark throughout the years and most recently as Parish Council President for the past 4 years, for which he remained until his passing. His proudest accomplishment, for which he worked tirelessly, and continues to this day, is the Cathedral Campus Refresh project.

It would be remiss not to mention Paul’s love of music, golf, and Porsches. You could find Paul almost any morning listening to Bob Dylan or podcasts on how to improve his golf game, and on the first Saturday of each month at “Cars and Coffee”, handsomely driving his Porsche and admiring everyone else’s. 

Paul was an exquisite listener, a spectacular storyteller, and a deeply curious person. He had a gift for connecting with others and was committed to the ideal of leaving a place better than he found it. Not only was he a dignified leader, but an incomparable wit. If he wasn’t leaving you inspired, he was making you laugh. He treated his community like his family and to his family he was a generous father and husband. He couldn’t have been more proud of his son, Tom, an Army Ranger, and his daughter, Bebe, a writer/performer.

Paul is survived by his wife Lori; children Tom and Katherine “Bebe”; brother Chris (Nobuko); nephews Tom Katsenes, Tom Nicholas (Lisa), and Ted Nicholas; nieces Andrea Pappas (John) and Karyn; numerous cousins, grandnephews and grandnieces, and his cherished Aunt Stella who just turned 100. He was predeceased by his sister Katherine and dearly beloved brother John who recently passed.

Paul’s legacy of service, leadership, and love leaves a void that will be felt by many and deeply missed by all who knew him. May his memory be eternal.

Services will be held on Monday, December 30th, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 1973 E. Maryland Ave, Phoenix AZ 85016. Visitation will begin at 9:00 am, and the funeral service at 10:00 am. The family invites everyone to join in a Makaria (mercy meal) lunch at the Community Center immediately following. Burial will take place at Paradise Gardens Cemetery at 2 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Paul’s memory to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral “Cathedral Community Refresh Project”, Barrow Neurological Institute, or Hospice of the Valley.