John G. Pappas died of complications of heart failure on Sunday, June 12, 2022. He was born in Akron, Ohio on June 5, 1936 to George and Angeline Pappas. John spent his childhood in Akron where he attended Central High School and received his bachelor's degree from the University of Akron. His first job after college was at Central High School in Akron (his alma mater) where he was a Social Studies teacher. He left teaching after four years and pursued a master's degree from The Ohio State University in Counseling.

John married the love of his life July 29, 1962, Persephone "Fofie" Pappas. Their wedding was such a celebration of love, with 450 people in attendance. They started married life at Kent State University where John was working on his PhD and he was the Head Resident the men's dorms.

In 1966 John and Fofie arrived in Ypsilanti, Michigan. John took a position at Eastern Michigan University in the Counseling Department. John was a teacher, mentor, colleague and friend to so many. John held many positions while at EMU including department head of Leadership and Counseling. He retired in the spring of 2001, as was awarded Emeritus Facility status, where he continued to support EMU until his death. He will forever be enshrined at the Porter Education building on the "Wall of Fame."

John was a member of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Ann Arbor, where he was a past church board member. He was also a member of the Ann Arbor AHEPA Chapter #195. He served as President of the local chapter, District Governor of the State of Michigan, and Supreme Governor on the National Level for AHEPA. John was instrumental in gifting of the statue of Hippocrates that is located on the grounds of the University of Michigan Medical School. He was also involved in the restoration project of the statue of Demetrius Ypsilanti.

His family will always have memories of the summers they spent together at Lost Lake Woods Club, in northern Michigan. John enjoyed golfing, fishing with his son Mark, and spending time together in their old camper.

After retirement John enjoyed working within his community. He was a member of the Ypsilanti Kiwanis club, where he served as the President of the Ypsilanti chapter. He enjoyed his Wednesday lunch meetings for many years. He also was a member of the Ypsilanti Historical Society where he was a board member, and active member.

John and Fofie enjoyed a number of years traveling to Germany, Spain, Sicily, France, Ireland, Alaska, Belize, St. Maartin, and the extra special trip to the Greeks Islands with their granddaughter Ashley. They also enjoyed spending time in Siesta Key, Florida, his favorite beach for many years during the months of February and March.

John's favorite hobbies were wood carving and golf. He drove to Frankenmuth with his buddy Lou Thayer for many years every Thursday night to learn from master carver George Kielhaufer. Later Fofie joined his hobby, and tagged along on the ride to Frankenmuth. They both were members of the Pittsfield Wood Carvers and the Saline Wood Carvers clubs.

John is survived by his wife of 60 years, Persephone "Fofie" Pappas, daughter, Angelica "Gigi" (Keith) McCann, son Mark (Melonie) Pappas, and the light of his life, granddaughter Ashley (Joel) Richardson-Root. He will also be missed by so many friends who have become his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Angeline Pappas; In-Laws Harry and Electra Biris; and God Parents, James and Tasia Chakalos.

The family will receive friends 4-8 pm Wednesday, June 15, 2022 at Stark Funeral Professionals (101 S. Washington Street, Ypsilanti) where t he Trisagion will be recited at 6 pm. A graveside service will be held 11 am Thursday, June 16, 2022 at Washtenong Memorial Park in Ann Arbor, followed by burial.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Ann Arbor Iconography Project ( https://www.stnickaa.org/iconography-phase-iv.html ), Ladies' Literary Club of Ypsilanti Scholarship Foundation ( https://ladiesliteraryclub.org/7scholarship-foundation/ ), or the charity of one's choice.