Michael Joseph Papa

1958 - 2023

Michael Joseph Papa, age 65, of Mount Pleasant, passed away on Thursday, August 24, 2023, in Maple City, MI. Michael was born on August 14, 1958 in The Bronx, NY to Nancy (McDermott) Papa and Savario (Sam) Papa. He graduated from St. Raymond High School for Boys in The Bronx, NY in 1976. He received his bachelor's degree from St. John's University, his master's degree from Central Michigan University, and his doctorate from Temple University. He met his future wife, Wendy Jo Hartfelter, on August 16th, 1980, at Central Michigan University during graduate school. On January 30th, 1982, Michael pledged his heart in marriage to Wendy Jo Hartfelter. They stayed together through the remainder of Michael's life. Together, they raised and loved one son and one daughter (Andrew and Samantha) and also helped to nurture and support many nieces, nephews, and family friends. He worked as a college professor for most of his career, starting at the University of North Carolina Greensboro. He also worked at Ohio University, Michigan State University, and Central Michigan University. His research and teaching work brought him all over the world, including Thailand, Bangladesh, India, Sudan, Uganda, and Sweden, as well as working with President Jimmy Carter at The Carter Center. While at Central Michigan University, he received the President's Award for Outstanding Research and Creative Activity, the highest award for research at the institution. Michael was an avid skier, reader, kayaker, and New York Yankees fan. In his younger days, he loved to bike and run, even completing the famous New York City Marathon. One of his favorite places to be in the house was the kitchen, working up recipes new and old, and sitting around the dinner table with his family. He had a wonderful sense of humor and caring wisdom all the way until the end of his life. He also had a deep love of music, which included seeing The Rolling Stones in concert five times. As much as he loved listening to music and attending concerts, his true passion for music came to light when he started playing with The Burdickville Boys as their keyboardist. But most of all, his most cherished moments came from spending time with his family, especially his wife, children, and grandchildren. Michael is survived by his wife, Wendy Papa; children: Andrew (Emily Mageski) Papa and Samantha (Cameron Pell) Papa; grandchildren: Ivy Papa, Elliot Papa, and Parker Pell; sister: Anne Monahan; sisters-in-law: Jan Janssen and Laurie (Pat) Taghon; and many special nieces and nephews. Michael was preceded in death by his parents. A Celebration of Life and service will be arranged at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Goodworks Inc. in Athens, Ohio or The Carter Center. You may view Michael's obituary online and send a condolence to the family at www.clarkfuneralchapel.com