Ted Papas

Ted Papas, age 77, fell asleep in the Lord on 12/5/25. Born in the village of Kakouri, near Tripolis, in the region of Arcadia, Greece, Ted immigrated to the United States at age 18, settling first in San Diego before attending the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). He graduated with a bachelor's degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management -training that would later shape his life's great professional venture.

Ted ultimately made his home in Portland, Oregon, where he purchased a small sandwich deli and transformed it into the beloved Greek Cusina - an iconic restaurant that brought joy, community, and Greek culture to Portland for nearly 40 years. A true showman, Ted filled every room with his big personality, laughter, music, and zest for life. He created a space where people gathered not just to eat, but to celebrate, dance, and feel at home.

A devout Greek Orthodox Christian, Ted was deeply connected to his faith and proud of his Greek heritage. He was actively involved in his parish communities and lived with unwavering conviction. His generosity knew no bounds - he cared for his employees, supported friends and family, and gave selflessly without hesitation.

Ted is survived by his children, Evyenia (Genie) Kaady and Theodore Papas; his son-in-law, Ziad Kaady; and his cherished grandchildren, Athan, Elias, and Ziad Jr. Kaady. He is also survived by his brother, John Papatheodorou, and his nephews Vyron (Byron) Papatheodorou and Vasilis (Billy) Papatheodorou.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Evyenia and Vasilis Papatheodorou, and by his paternal aunt, Tasia Ganas, whose support guided Ted's journey to America and changed the course of his life.

A Trisagion service will be held on Thursday, December 11 at 7:00 PM at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church (14485 SW Walker Rd in Beaverton). The funeral service will be held the next morning, Friday, December 12 at 11:00 AM, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral (3131 NE Glisan St in Portland).

In lieu of flowers, Ted requested that donations be made to the building campaign for St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in Beaverton, Oregon. Please include your name with your donation so that the family may send their thanks. Every gift - no matter the size -honors his memory and supports a cause close to his heart: Click Here

Ted lived life passionately and poured his heart into bringing people together through food, culture, and faith. May he rest in peace, and may his memory be eternal.