Paul Daniel Gross PhD

Paul was born on May, 15, 1977 at Valley Presbyterian Hospital in Van Nuys, California. He was the second child of his parents, Dr. Dan and Cammie Gross. Their first child, Laura was born 17 months earlier. Paul was a sleepy, easy baby and always had a smile on his beautiful face with his large blue eyes. His face was surrounded by waves of platinum colored hair.

His first school was Woodland Hills Community Church Day School. This was followed by Kirk of the Valley preschool, and then St. Martin's of the Fields grammar school. He then went to Chaminade middle school and then to Chaminade College Preparatory School. He was an XLNT athlete and played on the soccer team as a mid-fielder. He toured Europe as a member of a boys soccer team. He also played tennis at Chaminade and with his doubles partner were the first team to ever make it to the finals at the prestigious Ojai tournament, a major tournament. At Chaminade College Prep, he also got involved in music as a lead singer in a band. He was a good student in addition to all of these athletic activities. He was also the MOST POPULAR student in High School.

Upon graduation, he attended Loyola Marymount University (LMU) with a major in Communication Studies. He was a vital member of the men's tennis team and frequently played as the number one player. While at LMU, he started a rock back with several of his classmates. He was the lead singer and composer. After graduation, he was signed to an exclusive contract, first with Electra Records and then with Geffen Records. He made two albums with these companies. He loved alternative rock and made an album with music similar to that of the rock band, Queen.

Paul put music on the side burner as he entered post graduate studies and after a number of years of hard work was awarded a Master's degree in Psychology and then a PhD in Psychology. Upon graduation from graduate school, he joined in the practice of Psychology with one of his professors. His professor told us that Paul was the most gifted Psychologist that she had ever met! Paul began teaching Psychology at Long Beach City College at night and had a full time practice of Psychology in the daytime. Paul had a passion for teaching and his students rated him as a five star professor. His sister, Laura, visited one of his classes and reported that he was a spell binding teacher.

On August 21, 2016, Paul had a severe life-changing stroke. The stroke reduced his ability to speak and the control of his right arm and right leg. He then started on the very difficult and challenging path to recovery with intensive physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy. Anyone who has had a stroke will inform you that even simple tasks take more than twice the energy to accomplish.

About two (2) years ago, he got a position at New Horizons, where he provided guidance to people with severe autism. This is difficult work, he loved his patients (they were called "consumers"), and was loved by them. He had a million things to relate about the people he served. He was also loved by his co-workers. Paul continued to work at New Horizons for two (2) years, until it was closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

During this post stroke period, he continued with his passion for singing and performed at a number of venues including a major Los Angeles Music Festival. Shortly before his passing, he and his father were in the process of recording songs as co-singers, which will be put on Social Media.

Paul was a talented, loving, generous, sensitive and gentle soul. He once told his mother ("Mumsie"), "I fall in love every day." Paul, you were an enormous gift to all who knew you.

"Stand by Me"

by, Ben E. King

When the night has come

And the land is dark

And the moon is the only light we'll see

No I won't be afraid

Oh, I won't be afraid

Just as long as you stand, stand by me

So darling, darling

Stand by me, oh stand by me

Oh stand, stand by me

Stand by me

If the sky that we look upon

Should tumble and fall

Or the mountain should crumble to the sea

I won't cry, I won't cry

No, I won't shed a tear

Just as long as you stand, stand by me

And darling, darling

Stand by me, oh stand by me

Oh stand now, stand by me

Stand by me

Darling, darling

Stand by me, oh stand by me

Oh stand now, stand by me, stand by me

Whenever you're in trouble won't you stand by me

Oh stand by me, oh won't you stand now, stand

Stand by me...