Steven K. Pappa

Steven K Pappa (96) passed away on February 4, 2026 in Delaware, OH. He was born October 11, 1929 in Cleveland, OH to the late Peter and Mary (Krol) Papa.

Steven is a graduate of East Technical High School (Cleveland, OH) class of 1948 with a focus in aeronautics and a love of sports. During his long career he excelled in advanced machinery, manufacturing, and engineering management coursework at Fenn College, Western Reserve University, Cuyahoga Community College, Tampa Manufacturing Institute and the Ohio State University. One of his instructors noted his thoroughness and dry sense of humor which he honed throughout his life much, to the delight of his family. He met the love of his life, Shirley, at a Chevrolet-sponsored company dance. They married in 1954 and they raised their 4 boys in the Cleveland area. Steven was actively involved in his sons' activities as baseball coach and as an avid fan of all their pastimes and hobbies. He taught his sons the value of hard work, excellence, and always giving your best. Family (both immediate and extended) remained a priority to him and a source of joy throughout his life. Professionally he continued to develop his public speaking abilities in Toastmasters International while progressing his award-winning engineering career to climb to the role of Manager of Manufacturing Engineering. During his 41-year career with Cleveland Pneumatic/BF Goodrich Aerospace, Steven was sought after to travel to and collaborate with multiple entities who manufactured all types of aircraft landing gear around the world.

As a devout Catholic, Steven provided a strong example practicing his faith throughout his life. Steven and Shirley helped in the building of St. Therese, Garfield Heights, OH, then joined the parish of St. Michael, Independence, OH and lastly were members of St. Andrew, Columbus, OH. Steven's faith remained unwavering during his last years despite major health challenges. He exemplified faith in God and positive attitude through all those challenges, often quipping he was "fine and dandy, full of candy". His desire to maintain physical fitness became a lifelong quest following his U.S. Army service, enabling him to be an avid runner into his late 80's. Steve and Shirley were famous among friends and family for their love of games (dominos) and dancing, especially polkas and later disco. Steven's favorite dance song was "Mack the Knife". He is survived by his 4 sons: Dr. Karl Pappa (Michelle-deceased), Dr. Keith Pappa (Corlis), Darrell Pappa (Dr.Teresa), and David Pappa (Stephanie). He is also survived by 13 grandchildren Dr. Christopher (Laura), Dr. Rachael (Dr. Matthew), Dr. Nicholas (Taylor), Dr. Andrew (Heather), Otto (Lynnsey), Emily (Pino), Dr. Katherine (Thomas), Darrell Steven (Dr. Emily), Dr. Claire (Afif), Michael, Colin (Ally), Connor, and Cole and 9 great grandchildren Cameron, Madelyn, Hudson, Camden, Clark, Darrell Grant, Heath, Theodore and Matthew. In addition to his parents, Steven is preceded in death by Shirley, his wife of nearly 70 years, his sisters Helen (Kozlowski), and Sofia, and brothers, Frank, John, and Stanley in addition to daughter-in-law, Michelle, and grandchildren, Joseph and Mary.

The Pappa family would like to sincerely thank the staff at WillowBrook Christian Village, Delaware Ohio for their care of both Steven and Shirley over the past several years.

Friends and family may call on Friday, February 13, 2026 from 4-7pm at Egan-Ryan Funeral Home (4661 Kenny Road Columbus, OH). A prayer service will be held at the funeral home at 6:30 pm, Friday, February 13, 2026.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Andrew Catholic Church (1899 McCoy Rd Columbus, OH) at 10 a.m. Saturday, February 14 with burial to follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Lewis Center, OH.

Those wishing to contribute to Steven's memory in lieu of flowers may contribute to any of the following:

St. Andrew Catholic Church in Columbus, OH

St. Andrew's Abbey in Cleveland, OH