Paul John, son of Rachel Spivack and Paul Vasquez Sr., was born July 11, 1970. He passed away peacefully on September 25, 2018, surrounded by his loved ones.
Paul grew up in San Jose, California where he attended Santa Teresa High School and graduated from Saratoga High School.
Paul’s passion for movies since he was young led him to continue his studies right after high school with the famed Stella Adler at the Stella Adler Academy of Acting in Los Angeles. Paul was a member of the Screen Actors Guild and the Screen Writers Guild.
Paul split his time between Los Angeles and San Jose acting, writing and working in the movie industry. He was passionate about writing and created several movie scripts that generated interest and he was pursuing his own independent production.
Growing up, Paul had fun filming with a camcorder taping everyone around him. He loved all foods, especially sushi and carrot cake and wasn’t afraid to try new things.
Paul kept a personal journal since he was nine years old, recording his thoughts and feelings.
Paul liked running, hiking and snowboarding. He loved to walk and play with his dogs, Rex and Grace. When he wasn’t doing anything else, he was always critiqueing movies, either in the theater or at home.
He enjoyed traveling and on his 21st birthday, he travelled to Europe, visiting more than 11 different countries.
He believed in integrating art into every dimension of his life. He found art in his Catholic upbringing and in the culture and traditions of Judaism and reflected upon them in his journal writing. He loved music, the study of drama and of course, his Mama’s cooking.
Paul was preceded in eternity by his grandparents Gilbert and Josie & Frank and Doria, his Aunt Linda, Uncle Jesse and cousin Edwin.
He is survived by his father Paul Vasquez, his mother Rachel Spivack and stepfather Robert Spivack, his dog Jack, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
A private burial was held at Oak Hill Cemetery in San Jose, California and a Celebration of Life was held in Gilroy, California.
He will be sorely missed by all his family and friends.
Please continue to appreciate art and beauty in your own lives as a way to remember Paul and hold him in your heart.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the American Heart Association and the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation.
