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L. Pappas Obituary
L. Sam Pappas
FLAGSTAFF - L. Sam Pappas, 86, of Flagstaff Arizona, passed away on August 31, 2023, with his family at his side.
Sam was born on December 11, 1936, to Sam and Agnes Pappas in Des Moines, Iowa. Shortly after Sam was born, the family moved to Los Angeles, California and with the start of WW II the family relocated to Ash Fork, Arizona. They then moved to Prescott, Arizona but after a brief time there, they finally decided that Flagstaff, Arizona would be their home. Sam attended Flagstaff High School, he was a member of the National Honor Society and graduated in 1954. From there, Sam attended the University of Arizona and in 1955 moved back to Flagstaff to attend Arizona State College (NAU), where he earned a BS in Accounting. While Sam was attending ASC, he met Dorothy Lou Armstrong, they married September 19, 1959. Sam started his 65-year long career in accounting in Flagstaff and retired December 31, 2022. He also belonged to many service organizations including the Elks, Lions and Big Brothers and Sisters of Flagstaff. During his tenure with the Elks, Sam was the youngest member to serve as the Exalted Ruler of B.P.O.E #499. Sam loved baseball, the Boston Red Sox was his team, and he was also a die-hard Diamondback fan (unless they were facing the Red Sox). He passed his love of the game onto his family and their families evidenced with the countless excursions to baseball games and ball parks of all leagues, high school, college, A, AA, AAA and Major. If there was a game being played, he would find it.
Sam is survived by his wife Dorothy, sons John (Lori) Pappas and Sam (Michelle) Pappas, granddaughter Michelle (Steven) Goettl, and grandson Michael (Sara) Pappas, and great granddaughter Betty Lou Goettl. Sam loved his grandchildren; he was always there for them, which made him happy, and his great granddaughter, Betty, gave him joy.
Sam loved to support children in need and therefore in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Dawson Merrick Childrens Foundation or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Services will be held on October 20, 2023, at 10:30 am at San Francisco de Asis Catholic Church, 1600 E. Rte. 66, Flagstaff, AZ 86001. A reception will follow from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm at the Elks Club, 2101 N. San Francisco St., Flagstaff, AZ 86001. Baseball attire is welcome at the reception.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for L. Pappas
Michael Dugan
December 19, 2023
Sorry to hear of his passing. He was my Little League coach in the late 60's.
November 28, 2023
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Karen Zanzucchi & Family
November 17, 2023
Sam was such a fine man and always such a pleasure to be around. Dorothy, John, Sam and families I am wishing you Peace to bring you comfort facing all the days ahead and wishing you loving memories to hold forever in your heart.
Trish Ellis Horejsi
October 21, 2023
I worked with Sam for many years at the accounting firm. He was a wonderful man and taught me so much in accounting,?and in being a good human being. I was privileged to have known him. May the family find peace in their memories. Rest in Peace, Sam.
Sincerely, Patricia (Trish) Ellis Horejsi
Paul McKay
October 19, 2023
Sending condolences and love to the Pappas family.
Janet Dye McCoy
October 16, 2023
I knew Sam when he worked with my Dad at Babbitt Ford, He was my Dad's Godfather when he was baptized at Nativity Church, and then I had the privilege of working for Sam at Pflueger, Ragle, and Pappas. Sam was a Great Man, Teacher, Accountant and Friend. Blessings to all his family.
Wally Mansfield
October 11, 2023
I met Sam at the U of A in 1955. We worked together at Babbitt Ford for many years. He was a good man and someone you could count on.
I´m so sorry for your loss.
Wally Mansfield
Freddi Paulsrud
October 7, 2023
Sammy, So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. He was our accountant for many years when Jeff and I were first married. I have fond memories of him and his great smile. Freddi Paulsrud
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