Paul Christopher Weisz

A lifelong resident of Santa Clara County, Paul was born in San Jose on December 3, 1952, to Irma and Desider Weisz, who immigrated to the United States in 1950 and settled in the Willow Glen neighborhood along with his older brother Peter. As a son of Czechoslovakian immigrants, Paul grew up bilingual, learning the German language and also enjoying the cultural heritage and cuisine of Eastern Europe surrounded by his grandparents, aunt, uncle and cousin, all of whom followed the family to the United States and San Jose.

During his childhood, Paul excelled in school and could beat almost anyone at chess. He played the violin and was first chair of the San Jose Unified School District Elementary Honor Orchestra. Above all, he enjoyed spending time with neighborhood friends, following sports, and keeping family traditions.

Paul exhibited an extraordinary work ethic from an early age. His first job at age 16 was at the neighborhood grocery store, where he quickly distinguished himself as a reliable employee and valuable asset to a family-owned business. He attended nearby Willow Glen High School, where he received academic honors and graduated at the top of his class in 1971. His academic achievements earned him a full scholarship to Stanford University, where is studied microbiology. He ultimately put his studies on hold during his junior year to assist and support his family during troubling times following the unexpected death of his older brother Peter. His sacrifice and insistence allowed for his younger sister Margie to continue her studies and double-major at Stanford. The familiar grocery business would become his career, where Paul served in roles of Head Checker, Assistant Manager and Manager, primarily for Safeway at locations all over the County, up until medical concerns resulted in his eventual retirement in 2015.

Paul met Susan Rudnik through communal friends at her birthday party in 1976, after which they soon started dating and were inseparable from then on. They were married in Palo Alto on July 21, 1979 and later settled in the Burbank neighborhood in San Jose. A little over four years after tying the knot they welcomed their only child, son Michael.

A 49ers season ticket holder for over 30 years (starting before The Catch), Paul enjoyed attending sporting events, traveling to Santa Cruz and the beach with his wife, vociferously yelling at the television and cheering for his favorite teams, cruising to near (Alaska, Mexico) and distant (Europe) ports of call, exploring different grocery store chains while on vacation, talking sports with his son, and spending time with his family and friends.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the Stanford Cancer Center for all of their efforts to battle the cancer and extend Paul’s courageous fight. Because of that he was able to witness his 3 grandsons, all of whom are under the age of 6. It is of great comfort that he is no longer in pain, did not suffer for a long period of time, and went home to Heaven.

Paul is survived by his wife, Susan; son, Michael (Rebecca); three grandsons (Nathaniel, Simon and Owen); sister Margie Daly (Patrick); nephews John (Ardith) and Daniel (Danielle) Daly; and many many close friends who are family.

“When you die, that does not mean that you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live and in the manner in which you live.” -Stuart Scott

Visitation and Rosary will be held at 6:00pm and 7:00pm respectively on Friday, January 3rd at Lima Family Santa Clara Mortuary (466 N. Winchester Blvd., Santa Clara). Memorial service will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, January 4th at St. Timothy’s Lutheran Church (5100 Camden Ave., San Jose), followed by an interment service at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Los Altos.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the American Cancer Society.