Dr. George Stephen Pappas

Dr George Stephen Pappas

Dr George Stephen Pappas, 92, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, July 7, 2016  He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Margaret Collotta Pappas  

Born October 16, 1923 in Poughkeepsie, New York, Dr Pappas was the son of local businessman Stephen Pappas and Calliope Tsolis  After graduating from Poughkeepsie High School, he enrolled at Fordham University, Bronx, NY graduating with a BS in Biology  While at Fordham, Dr Pappas enlisted in ROTC and served as a staff sergeant in the US Air Force Transport Command in the Pacific during World War II  

Upon completing his military service, Dr Pappas returned to Fordham University where he completed a Master of Science degree  He began his 40-year career as an educator at Iona College as the first lay professor teaching Biology  During his tenure at  Iona College, he served as Chairman of the Biology Department, Vice President and acting President He was awarded his PhD in Biology by New York University in 1960  Among his many professional achievements, Dr Pappas was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship Grant to develop and endocrine laboratory at Ain Shams University Medical College in Cairo Egypt He served several terms  as president of MACUB, the Metropolitan Association of College and University Biologists Dr Pappas also chaired the institute of the National Science Foundation at Iona College whereby students and professors alike could receive masters degrees in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics He authored a textbook on histology and has published many articles in scientific journals

Dr Pappas is survived by his loving wife Margaret and his three children, Linda Pappas Funsch of Frederick, Maryland, Stephen George Pappas of St Simons Island, Georgia and Elizabeth Pappas Bortz of Ridgefield, Connecticut He will be missed by his nine grandchildren Andrew Funsch, Alexandra Funsch Croyle, Catherine Funsch Wood, Jacqueline Pappas Newberry, Elizabeth Pappas, Stephanie Pappas, Christina Bortz Mikolasko, Matthew Bortz and Gregory Bortz as well as his 5 great grand children, Thomas Wood, James Wood, Peyton Funsch, Mia Funsch, and Zara Newberry

Dr Pappas and his wife Margaret were experienced world travelers  He was avid reader, enjoyed nature photography and was an enthusiastic boater

His happiest moments were the time he spent with family at his beach house in Southampton

Dr Pappas, a brilliant and kind man, will be missed by his family, colleagues and his many friends

The Rite of Burial will take place on Monday, July 11, 2016 at 11:30 AM at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church: 10 Mill Road; New Rochelle, NY Interment will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery; Hastings on Hudson, NY

Friends will be received on Sunday, July 10, 2016 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Kane Funeral Home; 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield