Angelo Pappas

1929 - 2021

Angelo T. Pappas, 92

WORCESTER - Angelo T. Pappas passed away peacefully, at home, surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday June 2, 2021. He was born on March 14, 1929 in Polena, Albania and immigrated to the United States with his family when he was an infant. He was the son of the late Thomas and Theodora (Christopher) Pappas.

Margaret T. (O'Coin) Pappas, his beloved wife of 67 years whom he adored and missed dearly, left this world on August 23, 2014.

He is survived by his children Margaret M. Pappas and her partner Steven R. Cox, Thomas F. and his wife Christine (Carlson), all of Worcester, John T. of Holden and Mary E. and her husband Dr. Peter J. Cataldo of Andover, 12 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, a great-great granddaughter and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two children, James J. and Annmarie, two brothers Louis and John, a sister Demitra Sienuc and his daughter-in-law, John's wife, Denise (Simoncini). He had been the last surviving member of his generation on both his and his wife's sides of the family.

"Angie" graduated from Worcester Boys' Trade High School in 1947 as a Draftsman. He played football all four years, being selected All-City three years in a row. He was inducted into the Worcester Public Schools Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009. He played semi-pro football for the Worcester Eagles for two years. He was an assistant coach at "Trade" school with Francis Donaher and then was head coach for eight years. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and Reserves and served our country for 41 years, retiring as a 1st Sergeant (1SG). In the Army he was a motion picture camera man assigned to the 167th Signal Photo Company. He also served in the 850th Signal Company Construction Unit as a lineman. He worked as a stage hand at the Worcester Auditorium, Loew's Poli Theater (now the Hanover Theater) and other venues around the City of Worcester.

He started his career as a Draftsman for Presmet Corporation of Worcester, where he worked for many years. He also worked part time at O'Coin's Furniture, Appliance and Jewelry Store in the Camera Department. He returned to college attending Worcester Junior College and received his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Education from Fitchburg State College. He went on to teach at Worcester Boys' Trade High School in the Drafting department later becoming Assistant Director for 18 years and Director for one year. He was the only student of Worcester Boys' Trade to ever hold these positions, retiring in 1993.

He belonged to many civic, athletic and charitable organizations including Christ the King Church and its Men's Club and as an altar server, St. Mary's Albanian Orthodox Church Men's Club on Salisbury Street, The National Association for Uniformed Services (NAUS), Holy Cross Alumni Sodality of Our Lady, the Boys and Girls Club Hall of Fame (2007 inductee), American Legion Post 341 and Central Mass. Conference Football Officials. He also funded two athletic scholarship awards, one to South High School that was "Awarded to an Outstanding Gentleman Athlete" and the other to Worcester Technical High School "The Angelo T. & James J. Pappas Award".

Calling hours are Friday, June 4, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester. The funeral Mass will be Saturday, June 5, at 11 a.m. at Christ the King Church, 1052 Pleasant St., Worcester. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St John's Church Food for the Poor Program, 44 Temple St., Worcester, MA 01604.