Paul Raymond Bellegarde passed away peacefully at home on Oct. 3, 2025. Predeceased by parents Raymond and Gertrude Bellegarde, he is survived by his devoted wife of 37 years Elizabeth Perez Bellegarde; children Jordan (Amanda) and Conor; grandchildren Willow and Walter; siblings Gerald Bellegarde (Lorrie), Janine Brown (Gerald), David Bellegarde (Anna), Ellen Bellare, James Bellegarde (Anna), and Judith Daniels.
He was born in Stoneham, MA, on July 14, 1959. He graduated from Essex Agricultural Institute, University of MA; and Culinary Arts – Food Services, Culinary Institute, Atlanta, GA. His long progressive career in Culinary Arts and Food Services led him to Westin Paso Del Norte as Executive Chef where he fell in love with Elizabeth and El Paso.
As editor of the El Paso Times weekly column “Cook to Cook” he became known throughout the area as “Chef Paul.” Sharing his love of cooking and healthy food, he served on many advisory boards including local school districts and colleges regarding their programs; and community groups including the Paso Del Norte Foundation and several years serving as Co-chair of the Rotary’s Celebrity Chef Fundraiser.
He worked for Aramark Healthcare Support Services as Food Production Manager at Providence Memorial Hospital. His career culminated in his position at University Medical Center of El Paso Dietary Operations Manager where he and “the team” brought healthy food to patients, staff and visitors. After 17 years he retired in 2024.
Paul believed that sports are important to not only children’s physical development but their understanding of teamwork (in all aspects of life), he coached YMCA, City League basketball, little league baseball teams, and Optimist T-Ball Baseball leagues. He volunteered with Child Crisis Center fundraising and the Paso Del Norte Health Foundation Catch Program.
He enjoyed many hobbies of cycling, traveling, fly fishing, carpentry, ice sculpting and supporting any sport team from Boston – a proud member of the Red Sox Nation. He never met a stranger and shared his knowledge with sincerity, integrity and kindness, always believing in teamwork and “paying it forward”.
Celebration of life 11:00 AM, Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Martin Funeral Home West, 128 North Resler Dr., El Paso, TX. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Basketball in the Barrio at https://epcf.org/basketball and the ALS Association at https://www.als.org/ways-give.
