George Papageorgiou

GEORGE PAPAGEORGIOU George Papageorgiou, 67, of Kansas City, KS, died unexpectedly on Saturday, May 18, 2024. He was born on July 5, 1956, in Seattle, WA, to Michael and Vera (Coltos) Papageorgiou. He is survived by Michelle (Duskin) Papageorgiou whom he married on June 6, 1987.George and Michelle have four beautiful daughters, Alyssa Papageorgiou of Overland Park, KS, Nicole Papageorgiou of Kansas City, MO, Lauren Papageorgiou and Mikaela Papageorgiou, both of Seattle, WA. He is also survived by his sisters Marina Landis (Sky, Michael, and Mitchell Landis) of Maple Valley, WA, and Nicole Papageorgiou (Mark Todd) of Yakima, WA. As a longtime football coach, in the 2000 season, George found a home as the Assistant Head Football Coach at Benedictine College in Atchison, KS, where he remained until his death. While at Benedictine, George was a crucial part of their success, earning multiple Heart of America Athletic Conference championships, multiple trips to the NAIA national playoffs, and an appearance in the 2018 NAIA National Championship game in Daytona, FL. In 2018, he was named Heart of America North Assistant Coach of the Year. In 2022, George was named the NAIA Assistant Football Coach of the Year by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA). Most recently, George was recognized for his 35 years of leadership and impact with the AFCA. Coach Pops' influence extends far beyond wins and losses, tackles and touchdowns, awards and accolades. Pops was a player's coach, whose primary goal was turning young men into the best versions of themselves, both on and off the field. He had the kindest and most generous heart along with a passion for great storytelling and an ever-present smile. He loved his wife and daughters deeply, and his fellow coaches were not just colleagues, but family. A visitation with the family will be Saturday, May 25th at 2:00 P.M. at St. Benedict's Abbey. A prayer service will follow at 2:45 P.M. Following the services at the Abbey, a reception will be held in the Benedictine College Dining Hall. In lieu of flowers, his family has asked for those so inclined to donate to the George Papageorgiou Offensive Line Scholarship(Please make checks payable to: Benedictine College)so his football legacy may continue to live on through the lives of Benedictine College student athletes. Memorials may be left in the care of the Arensberg-Pruett Funeral Home or mailed to Charlie Gartenmayer, 1020 N. 2ndStreet, Atchison, Kansas.