Michael Nick Pappas

SAN ANGELO Our beloved brother, uncle and friend Michael Nick Pappas passed on to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, Aug. 30, 2010. Mike was born Aug. 1, 1951, in San Angelo, Texas, to Nick and Christene Pappas. His beloved parents, who both preceded Mike in death, and his beloved Ya Ya (grandmother), greeted him with open arms. Mike is survived by his loving family: his sisters, Deborah Pappas Henke and brother-in-law Dr. Clyde Henke, Denise Pappas Jackson and brother-in-law Pat Jackson and his two precious nieces, Christina and Stephanie Jackson whom he loved deeply. He is also survived by his aunt, Alexandria Pappas Greer; and cousins Fr. Elias (Ted) Greer, Katherine Manyai and Alex Greer. His first love was his family. There was never any doubt of Mike's dedication to his Mom and Dad, his sisters and nieces. They were always his number one concern and love. By his side, like a brother, Del Velasquez, was his unwavering friend. There are no words to express the love and gratitude for his selfless care. Time after time, Del answered middle of the night calls, without questioning what Mikey needed. No task was too insignificant, too tedious or too much to ask. Mikey's detailed grocery lists and specific orders for takeout food kept a smile on Del's face. For his countless hours of dedicated service, we are forever grateful to Del. Mike was his mother's caretaker and thoroughly enjoyed working with her in the kitchen baking cheese pies that no one will ever forget. Mike had many friends who loved and cared for him during the most difficult time of his life after being diagnosed with ALS "Lou Gehrig's" disease in 2007. We'd like to express our deepest gratitude to the many who were his caretakers, Shawna McGara, Sabrina Hernandez and Penny Hussey. We thank Teddy, Mike's cousin, for his speedy response to every call no matter what the hour We also wish to thank VistaCare of San Angelo and the ALS Association. "Packie," his high school nickname, was a passionate loving friend. He was blessed during his illness by his friends, Dr. Milton and Betty Leon, Debbie Pope, Candis Hicks, Steve and Frances Tefas, Joann and Johnny Kalaitzes, Leo and Stella Alexander, Marty Daniel from Community Pharmacy and Jerry Thompson and his family and a host of many others who lifted him up in prayer. Their visits and prayers were all heaven sent and a special thank you to Heidi Gardiner who sent flowers on a monthly basis that brightened his day. He had an endless love and devotion to his church, the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church where he served as president of the Church Parish Council for 10 years. Even after being afflicted with ALS, Mike would force himself to make special trips to check the condition of the church building until he could go no more. He had a deep respect and abiding love for the congregation of his church and a deep loyalty toward the Greek community in San Angelo. Another of Mike's nicknames was "Bill," a name given to him by his niece, Stephanie. He had a heart for many things during his life. His passions included the businesses he owned and managed such as Pappas Landscaping and a car detail service. He also managed the family real estate property and worked for many years with car dealerships in Austin, San Antonio and San Angelo. Among Mike's favorite hobbies were playing golf, hunting, fishing and music. He loved being in a band and playing the drums and spending his childhood days swimming at the Town & Country Club. The Trisagion prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 2, 2010, at Johnson's Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 3, 2010, at The Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church. Interment will follow in Fairmount Cemetery. Donations may be made to the ALS Foundation, the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary or a charity of your choice. Pallbearers are George Beys, Mark Durkay, Dickie Fielder, Jesse Bustos, Charles Baker, John Fuentes, Monty Greathouse and Del Velasquez. Honorary pallbearers are Johnny Kalaitzes, Steve Tefas, Cliff Sheffy and Dr. Milton Leon.