Jorge A. Paiz Zamora

Jorge Alberto "Jorgito" Paiz Zamora, 71, passed away on February 26, 2024, after a two-year struggle with ALS. Although the disease was relentless, he demonstrated great courage and perseverance in its face. His memory will remain a great source of inspiration.

Son of Alfredo Paiz and Julia Marina Zamora de Paiz, Jorge was born in Guatemala City, Guatemala, and raised alongside his six brothers and sisters, Maria Elizabeth "Bety", Amanda "Chiquy", Olga Victoria "Olgui", Alfredo Rodolfo "Rodol", and Flora Marina "Poy" Paiz Zamora, as well as Luis Roberto "Luisito" Zamora.

After graduating from the Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala, he moved to the United States, where he spent over two decades working as a biologist for the National Institutes of Health. There he met Christine Koch, his life partner, whom he married and raised their four children with: Wolfgang "Wolfie", Christoph "Titi", Oliver "Olivo", and Viktoria "Tori" Koch-Paiz.

Jorge was an exceptionally loving and patient father. His children were at the center of his world. He encouraged them to strive for excellence and provided them with an enduring source of guidance and support. Papito, we will miss you so much. 

A true family man, he cherished his large extended family. Not a single birthday escaped him, and he made a point to celebrate everyone's milestones and achievements. Although most times he was physically far, they felt his heart close.

A devout Catholic, Jorge was a member of Saint John Neumann Parish in Gaithersburg, Maryland for more than twenty years. His unwavering faith in God gave him strength, brought him peace, and helped him cope with the progression of his ALS.

Jorge leaves us with memories of laughter, love and sacrifice. May his spirit live on in our hearts, and may God rest his soul.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at 10:30am at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 9000 Warfield Rd., Gaithersburg, MD 20882. Interment will follow at All Souls Cemetery in Germantown, MD.

We ask that in lieu of flowers, you please consider donating to The ALS Association:   http://donate.als.org/give/287064/#!/donation/checkout?c_src=jumppage.

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