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Charles Pappas Obituary

Charles Spiros Pappas

Red Bank

Charles Spiros Pappas, of Red Bank, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 26, 2014. He was the eldest son of Spiros and Sophia; Charles was born in New York City, NY. He moved to Asbury Park, NJ at age 10 with his parents, sister, Helen, and brother, James. He graduated from Asbury Park High School in 1943. After his graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force. He served in Italy and flew 28 bombing missions over North Italy, Austria and Germany. Charles graduated from Syracuse University in 1950 with a B.S. degree in Business Administration. He married Angela Morris in April 1952; and they were blessed with the birth of their son, Spiro Paul.

Charles and his brother, James built and opened the Howard Johnson Restaurant in Toms River, NJ in 1956. Due to the success of that location, he partnered with his wife, Angela's father, John Morris, and Angela's brothers, George and Stephen Morris in 1962 to open the Howard Johnson Motor Lodge in Middletown, NJ. They had already built and opened the adjacent Howard Johnson Restaurant in 1958.

Charles and Angela's son, Spiro Paul married Elayna Arbes in 1983. They were elated with the births of their grandchildren, Dean Spiro and Alexandra Sophia.

Charles was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

The Morris and Pappas Families closed the Howard Johnson Restaurant in December 1997 after 40 years in business. Many customers fondly remember Charles walking around the dining room with a coffee pot in his hand topping off everyone's cups of coffee. He dedicated most of his life to the Howard Johnson Restaurant and Inn and worked very hard alongside his family. The Howard Johnson Inn was converted to Comfort Inn in 2007 and is managed and operated by Charles' son, Spiro.

Charles was an extremely honorable, gentle, kind, and loving person. He was always very generous to his family, friends, and anyone in need. He had an amiable, good-natured and cordial personality and was well suited to be in the hospitality industry.

Charles was a devout, dedicated, and lifetime member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church that originated in Asbury Park, NJ and recently moved to their new complex in Ocean Township, NJ. He was a great supporter and humanitarian of many local and national charities. Charles was a Grand Benefactor of the St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Ocean Township, NJ. He also supported many Greek-American organizations such as The Metropolis of NJ, St. Basil's Academy, St. Michael's Home for the Aged and Hellenic College Holy Cross. In addition, Charles supported many national organizations such as the SPCA, the American Cancer Society, and the Boy Scouts of America; to name a few.

Charles was predeceased by his loving parents, Spiros and Sophia and his brother, James. He is survived by his beloved wife, Angela; son, Spiro Paul, daughter-in-law, Elayna; grandson, Dean Spiro; granddaughter, Alexandra Sophia; sister and brother-in-law, Helen and James Skopas, sisters-in-law, Faye Pappas and Kleanthi Xenellis; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, George and Joan Morris, Stephen and Xenia Morris, and George and Elvira Michals, numerous nieces and nephews, and numerous grandnieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 28 at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1033 W. Park Ave., Ocean Township. Funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 29 at the St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Ocean Township, NJ. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Ocean Township. Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank, was entrusted with his arrangements.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Asbury Park Press on Mar. 28, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Pappas

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Joe Lucarelli

April 3, 2014

SO many years I remember him and his wife at HoJo's
Really great people who left this world a better place
You will be missed

Bill Psomas

March 28, 2014

Spiro and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Barbara Kravitz (Lapinski)

March 28, 2014

Just wanted to send my condolence. Worked for Jim and Faye for many years and met several of the family inc. Charlie the few times that he made it down to T.R. God Bless your wonderful family and may you R.I.P....

March 28, 2014

Spiro,we are sorry to hear of your loss. My parents always spoke very highly of your dad.Your mom and my dad are first cousins. Regards, Marge Pappas, my parents George and Marge and brothers Bill and George

March 28, 2014

Spiro, we are so sorry to hear about your father. May the wonderful memories be a comfort to you and your family. Out thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bob & Bonnie Van Bochove

Bill Maier

March 28, 2014

Paul, I'm sorry to hear of your loss. My condolences to your family.

Tara Fallon

March 28, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers to the Pappas family. Many fond memories of Howard Johnson's and how the Pappas' made us feel like family. The Eldridge / Fallon family.

March 28, 2014

Spiro, I was so saddened to hear of your Dad's passing. Always a gentleman with a smile for everyone.I have such fond memories of Howard Johnsons with my family!! You are all in my prayers. Marsha Kay Mullen

March 28, 2014

Many years ago, on almost every Sunday morning, my husband, baby son and many friends would go to HoJo for breakfast. Mr. Pappas filled our coffee mugs MANY MANY times and ALWAYS with a smile. He will be remembered with a smile as well. God Bless, Rest Peacefully. M.DeMarco

Edith T. Nowels

March 28, 2014

My sincere condolence. Angie and Charlie personally walked and talked side-by-side with their huge "family" of Howard Johnson Middletown's customers and friends ... their gentle way and sincere 'sunshine' smile ... so very special ... treasured, memorable historical "fabric" of Middletown Township, County of Monmouth, and personal lives of John, Kathy, Edith and "Jack" Lentz. My saddened heart cries out to the entire Pappas family with the deep loss of "Charlie". Thank you for your service to our country, ... the freedom we have, and thank you for being you! Rest in peace Charlie. Edith (Thorne-Lentz) Nowels.

JERRY/PHYLLIS MENNA

March 28, 2014

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Charlene Gizzi

March 28, 2014

Many years ago, I was his favorite bank teller at the Colonial Bank in Red Bank, I will remember Mr. Pappas for his gentle spirit. He was truly a happy man.

Andy Skokos

March 27, 2014

Spiro. We are very sorry for your loss. Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. George, Susan and Andy Skokos

jerry sullivan

March 27, 2014

Mr. Pappas was a good man and will be missed/ he will be in my prayers

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