Chris Constantine Pappas

Chris Constantine Pappas
Aug. 5, 1943 - April 18, 2025
With great sadness, we share the passing of Dr. Chris Constantine Pappas, who left us on April 18, 2025, at the age of 81 after a year-long battle with colon cancer. He was a cherished husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend whose life brought warmth, comfort, and joy to the lives of so many.
Born on August 5, 1943 in Athens, Greece, Chris and his family moved to the United States when he was three years old. His father, Constantine, was a Greek Orthodox priest, and his mother, Evangelia, was a homemaker to the family's three sons - Paul, Dimitri (Jimmy), and Chris. Chris grew up in Wilmington, NC and Winston-Salem, NC, where despite his father being the local Greek Orthodox priest, Chris' playful and independent nature shone through from a young age whether in the church, at the ping pong table (he was a North Carolina Table Tennis Champion), or at home.
Chris attended High Point College and after finishing enlisted in the army during the Vietnam War, serving from 1966-1969. After finishing bootcamp Chris was transferred to the US base in Frankfurt, Germany, and fondly reminisced about his formative years in the Army. After serving, Chris attended dental school at the University of Louisville in Louisville, KY, and afterwards opened his dental office in Dale City, VA.
He married Dr. Chrysoula Pappas, a practicing radiologist from Athens, Greece in 1983. Together they raised two sons, Constantine ("Kosta") and John ("Johnny"), in a loving home in McLean, VA, where they lived for over 30 years and where he fell asleep in the Lord.
Chris was outgoing, cheerful, and limitlessly optimistic, always ready to share a quick laugh, comforting shoulder, and winning smile. He loved to retell stories about his family and life experiences, as well as pontificate about the political, economic, and social issues of the day. He became an avid walker in his later years, and would proudly announce his 15,000+ step daily achievement. His walking captivated him during his yearly trips to Greece, where he plundered wild fig trees, befriended fishermen, restaurateurs, and shopkeepers, and frequented the bi-weekly local farmers market. Chris enjoyed watching basketball and American football, always had a carefree tune from the 1950-'70s on his lips, and enjoyed cooking his favorite meals, especially steamed vegetables of every variety. He loved America deeply and cherished the golden years that he remembered from his youth. Just as he missed his loving family, now we too miss him.
Chris is survived by his wife, Chrysoula; sons, Constantine and John; nieces, Lea, Tina, Kathy, Connie, Joni, Maria, Lea, Gianna and Stacey; and nephews, Evangeli and Ernie. He was preceded in death by his parents, Constantine and Evangelia, and brothers, Paul and Jimmy.
The viewing will take place at St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church (3149 Glen Carlyn Rd, Falls Church, VA 22041) on Thursday May 1st at 11:00am and will be followed by a funeral service at 12:00pm. Chris will be laid to rest during a burial service with Army military funeral honors at 1:30pm at Columbia Gardens Cemetery (3411 Arlington Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201) at this location in the cemetery. The main entrance to Columbia Gardens Cemetery is temporarily closed due to renovations, so please enter through the N Oakland St. entrance as shown on the map below. The makaria lunch will follow at Laconiko (11301 Braden Dr, Manassas, VA 20109).
Donations in lieu of flowers can be sent to St. Stephen's Table, a monthly initiative to feed the homeless in downtown Washington, DC. The link is located below on the webpage.
Schedule Thursday, May 1 11:00am - Viewing (St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, 3149 Glen Carlyn Rd, Falls Church, VA 22041) 12:00pm - Funeral (St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church) 1:30pm - Burial (Columbia Gardens Cemetery, 3411 Arlington Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201, at this location in the cemetery) 3:00pm - Makaria Lunch (Laconiko, 11301 Braden Dr, Manassas, VA 20109)