George Pappas Obituary
George M. Pappas, age 92, died at the Joliet Area Community Hospice Home of natural causes.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Emanuel and Marianthe Pappas; wife, Irene (Policandriotes); and sisters, Helen (Fofo) and Stella Pappas.
Survived by his wife, Athena (Vandarakis); children, Michael G. (Marianne) Pappas, Barbara (Raymond) Pasteris; grandchildren, Julian Pappas, Brendan (Monique Silen) Pappas, Marisha (Michal Klus) Pasteris, and Jessica (Daniel) McDougal; and great-grand daughter, Scarlet McDougal.
He was a member of All Saints Greek Orthodox Church. An avid athlete, he coached the church G.O.Y.A. basketball team in the 1950's to a national championship. Throughout his life he had been a member of The American Legion, Kiwanis Club, Order of AHEPA, and Loyal Order of Moose.
A graduate of Joliet Township High School Class of 1942, George was lettered in basketball. He attended Joliet Junior College. He served as Assistant Chief of Communications in Africa and Europe in the Army Air Corps in WWII.
He owned the Boston Electric Shoe Repair and Travel Shop, George's Drive-In, developed and operated The Cuckoo Clock Drive-In, The Iron Kettle Restaurant and George's Pub. He managed restaurants for Faber Corporation in Chicago and was an area supervisor for Dairy Queen and Frosty Tips. In more recent years he clerked at Glenwood Marathon.
George Pappas was an energetic, positive, kind, loving and hard working man who in business and at home thrived on seeking creative solutions. He loved golf, swimming, fishing and hunting. He had a close circle of family and friends, and was always concerned for and working to further the welfare of others.
Funeral Services for George M. Pappas will be Friday, January 2, 2015, at 8:45 a.m., from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet to All Saints Greek Orthodox Church for services at 9:30 a.m. Interment Woodlawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Joliet Area Community Hospice or the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church Endowment Fund.
Visitation Thursday, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., with Trisagion Services at 5:00 p.m., at the funeral home.
For information, 815-741-5500 or visit his Book of Memories at www.fredcdames.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Geri McGinn
January 2, 2015
Athena and family,
My heartfelt condolences for your loss. I haven't seen you and George for a while, but will always remember him as such a gentleman. Prayers are with you.
January 1, 2015
My condolences go out to both Mick & Barb, George's children, both of whom I knew well and grew up with. May George's memory be eternal. James S. Rousonelos
January 1, 2015
George was a good friend to both my parents, Stan & Nola Rousonelos. May he rest in Peace and may his memory be eternal. James S. Rousonelos
December 31, 2014
Our deepest sympathy to George's family. He was a dear friend to our parents.
The McHale Family
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December 31, 2014
My niece, Dianne Berry, just now let me know of Georges passing...which reminded me that I should have stopped by to see him this past year. The family has my deepest sympathy. George, the family and I go back a long way. How very sad. I'll try to call Athena soon. Tony Bruskas from Florida
December 31, 2014
Barb,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. I lost my 98 year old father last December and know how difficult it is to lose a parent. You will have many happy memories of the times you shared with your father.
Paula Lester Chicago, IL.
December 31, 2014
I worked for George Pappas in the '60's at the Cuckoo Clock,he was one of the kindest employers that I ever knew he would do anything for you,my Condolences to Micheal and Barb and families..Wilma (Foster) Votta,Foley,Al.
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3200 Black at Essington Roads, Joliet, IL 60431
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