Dr. Paul J. Weiss

Aptos is mourning the loss of its first fulltime Physician and Surgeon who cared for generations of local families. Paul Joseph Weiss, MD, surrounded by family and loved ones, joined our heavenly Father on Monday, July 25, 2011. Paul's unwavering faith in God and strong will guided him through his courageous fight with multiple illnesses over the past 8 years.

Paul J. Weiss born February 27, 1928, to Rose Rivard and Joseph Weiss was a native of Toledo, Ohio. He was granted a B.S. from the University of Toledo and a M.D. from Marquette University School of Medicine while working nights at a steel foundry to fund his way through medical school. After completing an internship at St. Vincent's Hospital in Toledo, Residency at Wyandotte General Hospital, he then served his country as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy. Stationed in San Francisco, Paul and Betty moved to the Aptos area in 1956, after finding there was a need for a doctor.

Paul has served the community for over 40 years, delivered countless babies and treated three to four generations of the same family. He is the first recipient of the President's Award presented by Senator Mello of the Senate Rules Committee [Sate of California]in 1995. This recognition is from the Aptos Neighbors Association for the vital role he played in improving the quality of life and his long time commitment to the community.

Paul had been an active member of the Knights of Columbus and chaired the committee to raise fund to start Good Shepard Catholic Elementary School in 1963. He was affiliated with the California Medical Society and Santa Cruz Medical Society, and supported many other charitable and civic organizations.

Paul is survived by his wife of 60 years Elizabeth [Betty], Children: Sandra [Joe] Lefebre, Brian [Janice] Weiss, & Judie Weiss. He was preceded in death by his son Keith Weiss. Paul and Betty have four grandchildren, Cheri [Joe] Palladino, Jenine & Alisa Lefebre, & Christopher Weiss, & 3 great-grandchildren.

A vigil service will be held Friday, July 29, 2011 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church 435 Monterey Dr. Capitola, CA 95010 starting at 7 P.M. Friend are invited to call at St. Joseph's Church from 6 P.M. until service time. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, July 30, 2011 at St. Joseph's Church starting at 10:00 A.M. Interment will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery 2271 7th Ave. Santa Cruz, CA 95062 Arrangements are under the direction of Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel. Please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com to light a candle and share a condolence with Paul's family.

He was a dedicated physician, a true friend to many, a pillar in the community, devoted member of the Catholic Church, and a loving husband and father. Our family would like to express our gratitude for the overwhelming outpouring of responses and support expressing their love and admiration of Paul.

In lieu of flowers, donation can be made to the Dominican Hospital Foundation, St. Joseph's Parish, American Cancer Society, or the American Diabetes Association in his honor.