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In memory of

Paul S. Gripper III

Fairless Hills, PA

July 31, 1969 - April 11, 2020

Jul 31, 1969 - Apr 11, 2020

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The Life Story of Paul Gripper

Paul Sylvester Gripper III was born in Philadelphia, PA on July 31, 1969 to Judith Gripper and the late Paul S. Gripper Jr. In his younger years, Paul resided in California with his mother and Rashie until the age of 13. He relocated to Philadelphia in 1983 and was raised in a Christian home where he was taught the values of life by his parents, grandparents, and loving family. Paul knew the Lord and often discussed his views on spirituality. Several years ago, Paul decided to enter into a relationship with Christ at Sharon Baptist Church.

Paul was a very intelligent young man and would make sure you knew he had a very 'high IQ.' He was a gifted child who made honor roll and received several awards throughout grade school. He accelerated academically and skipped multiple grades.
In high school, Paul was on both the track and basketball teams. He played under the legendary coach Vincent Mueler at Frankford High School and was known for his jumpshot. He graduated in 1986 and then went on to study liberal arts at Camden County College.

At the age of 19, Paul became the assistant manager at the famous After Midnight Club, which quickly became Philly’s newest hotspot and a magnet for celebrities. Paul showed love to everybody and always looked out for his people, so it was no surprise that most of the club’s employees consist of family and friends.

Paul was a true hustler and entrepreneur. His street smarts and quick wit allowed him to solve problems and navigate through the tough streets of Philadelphia. He didn't wait for an opportunity to fall in his lap; he went out and made it happen. Paul had many valued skills and talents and demanded the respect due to him when entering a room. He was loved, feared, and respected at all levels.

Anyone who knows Paul knows that much of his pride and joy stemmed from his biological kids – Ashley, Pauly, and Joey. In 1988, Paul met the love of his life, Dawn Kipkin, and from that union Ashley and Joseph Gripper were eventually born. Paul truly loved Dawn and was devastated when she transitioned in 2011. He never fully recovered from her loss. His first son, Paul Brown aka Pauly, was born out of his friendship and relationship with Carla Brown in 1991.

Paul Gripper’s reign in the basketball world and love for the game began long before he started coaching youth basketball. In his early 20s, he coached a Men’s team with players like Sad Eye Watson. Paul began to develop important relationships when he ventured into a local West Philadelphia Rec Center to seek better competition for his players.

Paul was always competitive but did not realize that he would eventually have one of the best AAU teams in middle school history. Paul’s roster continued to grow as his teams destroyed opponents night in and night out. Kids signed up left and right to be a part of the dynasty he was creating. Paul believed his kids were phenomenal and he could often be heard on social media discussing and assessing kids such as, Joey Gripper, Devin Coleman, Chris Ings, Maurice Watson, Michael Kidd Gilchrist, Dion Waiters, and Jabril Trawick, each of whom were coached and/or trained by Paul at some point in their careers.

One thing that never changed during this flux of players was Paul’s style. He would scream and yell during every play, like one of those old black coaches like John Cheney. Most teams Paul coached were so good and defensively minded, he didn’t need to yell much. They won almost every tournament.

Although Paul was indeed a fierce coach and competitor, he taught young men life lessons and treated them as if they were his own children. He didn’t mind paying for a whole team to eat and travel and didn’t want or ask for anything in return, which is why he became affectionately known as Uncle P/Unk P.

Everything Paul did, all of his sacrifices were made to get the kids better, off the streets, and into a free education. Hundreds of young men and a few young women were able to receive full athletic scholarships under the guidance of Paul. Paul was a true Philly hoops legend who was famous and notorious in Philly’s hoops circle and nationally. He will be greatly missed. In the words of Paul Gripper- BOOM!!! Kentucky!!!

Later in life, Paul met and married Jenelle Green. Their union was short, but they remained friends.

Paul adored his three children. If you know him, you know he did not skip an opportunity to brag about Joey, the college basketball coach, Pauly, the budding chef and brewer, or Ashley, the Harvard PhD candidate and soon to be “Dr. Gripper.” He was incredibly close to his kids and cherished every moment he spent with them. Few things brought him more joy than to FaceTime, talk to, and spend time his babies. Family was not just important to Paul – it was everything.

Paul was preceded in death by his father, Paul S. Gripper Jr. In addition to his children, Paul leaves behind his mother Judith, his sisters Naima and Maggie, his brother Jolon, step-brother Jermaine, his uncle Albert and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and true friends.

Notes from the family:
My beloved son Paul S. Gripper III,
My beloved son it's so hard to say goodbye. He was a good son and a good father and a good basketball coach. To God be the glory may he rest in peace. (RIP). Love always and forever mommy.

My Brother,
My best friend and the only person that know me best. My homie. What will this world be like without you.😔 This pain is like no other but I try to think of how you would handle it and go from there. You were too good for his world. God got u now! Love you brother, there will never be another. #UNKPOUT
Naima

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