Paul Ernest Held passed away peacefully on July 19, 2019 at his home in La Quinta, CA surrounded by his family. He was 91. Paul was the seventh child born to Elmer and Anna Mae (nee Wagner) Held on October 20, 1927 in Redondo Beach, CA.

Paul attended St. James school and Redondo Union High School. He was a heralded four sport athlete at RUHS. Paul remains the only athlete in RUHS history who was a member of a football, basketball, baseball and golf championship team.

After his graduation in 1945, Paul enlisted in the Navy following four of his elder siblings into military service. During WWII, Paul had two older brothers killed aboard naval aircraft, Eddie in 1942 and Howard in 1943.

Upon completion of his military service time, Paul enrolled at El Camino College where he excelled in four sports. It was during this time that Paul met the love of his life, Frances Tracy. They were to celebrate their 66th wedding anniversary on August 15, 2019. Together they had five children, eleven grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

At El Camino College, Paul was quarterback, defensive back and captain of the 1950 Warrior Metropolitan Conference Championship football team and he was honored as a Junior College All-American that year. Paul also co-captained the 1950 Warrior Metropolitan Conference Championship baseball team. In addition, he was a member of the Warrior basketball and golf teams. Paul was selected as the El Camino College and Daily Breeze Male Athlete of the Year for both 1950 and 1951. Following the Warriors 1951 baseball season, Paul was drafted as an outfielder by the Cincinnati Reds. Paul decided to forego signing a contract at that time with the Reds and accept a football scholarship to San Diego State University. Playing quarterback for the Aztec football team, Paul was the 1952 United Press All West Coast selection at that position. Paul also played outfield and first base for the Aztec baseball team.

After obtaining his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from SDSU, Paul was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1953. At that time, Paul became the first quarterback in SDSU football history to enter the National Football League. In addition to the Detroit Lions, Paul played professionally with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Green Bay Packers. As a member of the Steelers in 1954, Paul set a Steeler single game record when he was summoned by then head coach Walt Kiesling to replace an injured kicker. Paul successfully converted eight PAT attempts in that game against the Cleveland Browns. Later in life, when he was asked by his family why they had no knowledge of this achievement, Paul responded, "no big deal, anyone can kick." In 1988, Paul was honored as an inaugural inductee to the El Camino College Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2018, Paul was selected to the El Camino College All Decade football team for the 1950's.

Upon leaving the NFL, the family settled in El Segundo, CA where Paul and Fran played a large roll in El Segundo American Little League and at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.  The family relocated to Palm Desert in 1969 when Paul accepted the position of Vice President of Southland Beverage.  Paul and Fran returned to Redondo Beach later in life to help care for their aging parents and both worked for their brother-in-law at Body Glove Wetsuits.

In 2010 Paul and Fran returned to La Quinta, CA. Paul was proceeded in death by his parents, his six older siblings and his beloved oldest child Paula Kay. Paul is survived by his wife Fran, sons Dan (Mary Kay) of Menifee, CA and Matt (Linda) of La Quinta, CA, daughters Patti of Beaumont, CA and Toni (Bruce) of Chino, CA.  

Paul will be remembered for his big personality and humor. Always ready with a good joke, Paul was a hero to many and loved being with his 5 children, 11 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and his extended and loving family of Held’s, Chipp’s, Quinn’s, Grimes’ and Meistrell’s.