George S. Pappas

Pappas George S. May 4, 1942 - September 3, 2025 Of Devon, PA passed away in Richmond, Virginia on September 3, 2025. He was 83 years old, though he insisted he was only 59 for several decades. George was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and attended Gettysburg College. On the same day he graduated from college he married his college sweetheart, Christine, and they were married for 58 years before Chris passed away in 2021. George received a Master's and PhD from the University of Pennsylvania and went on to teach Philosophy at Western University in Ontario and Ohio State University. His career at Ohio State spanned 40 years and he mentored countless students, both undergraduate and graduate. In addition to numerous articles, George published several books (Philosophical Problems and Arguments: an Introduction and Berkeley's Thought), but he is most known for his edited volume with his good friend and colleague, Marshall Swain: Essays on Knowledge and Justification. This volume, known affectionately as "Pappas & Swain," became a foundational text for graduate students in philosophy around the world and was even cited in at least two Coen Brothers movies. Though he lived most of his adult life elsewhere, George remained an avid fan of the Philles, the Eagles, and the Sixers. While he abstained from wheat since the early 2000s for medical reasons, George never stopped longing for a Philadelphia soft pretzel. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Chris and his brother James. He is survived by his daughters Christina Finn (Joseph) and Sara, his sisters Maria and Ruth, and many nieces and nephews. Funeral will be held at the WILLIAM R. MAY FUNERAL HOME in Glenside, PA, Sept. 13 at 11 A.M. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to Habitat for Humanity or Doctors Without Borders.