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REDDING, Conn. -- Dr. George Stephen Pappas, 92, of Redding and formerly of New Rochelle, N.Y., passed away peacefully surrounded by family Thursday, July 7, 2016.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Margaret Collotta Pappas.
Born Oct. 16, 1923 in Poughkeepsie, Pappas was the son of local businessman Stephen Pappas and Calliope Tsolis. After graduating from Poughkeepsie High School, he enrolled at Fordham University, graduating with a BS in biology. While at Fordham, Pappas enlisted in ROTC and served as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Air Force Transport Command in the Pacific during World War II. Upon completing his military service, he returned to Fordham University, where he completed a Master of Science degree.
He began his 40-year career as an educator at Iona College as the first lay professor teaching biology. During his tenure at Iona, he served as chairman of the biology department, vice president and acting president. He was awarded his Ph.D. in biology by New York University in 1960.
Among his many professional achievements, Pappas was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship Grant to develop and endocrine laboratory at Ain Shams University Medical Collage in Cairo, Egypt. He served several terms as president of the Metropolitan Association of College and University Biologists. Pappas also chaired the institute of the National Science Foundation at Iona College. He authored a textbook on histology and published many articles in scientific journals.
He is survived by his loving wife Margaret; three children, Linda Pappas Funsch of Frederick, Md., Stephen George Pappas of St. Simons Island, Ga. and Elizabeth Pappas Bortz of Ridgefield, Conn.; nine grandchildren, Andrew Funsch, Alexandra Funsch Croyle, Catherine Funsch Wood, Jacqueline Pappas Newberry, Elizabeth Pappas, Stephanie Pappas, Christina Bortz Mikolasko, Matthew Bortz and Gregory Bortz; and five 5 great-grandchildren, Thomas Wood, James Wood, Peyton Funsch, Mia Funsc, and Zara Newberry.
Pappas and his wife were experienced world travelers. He was avid reader, enjoyed nature photography and was an enthusiastic boater. His happiest moments were the time he spent with family at his beach house in Southampton.
The Rite of Burial will take place at 11:30 a.m. Monday at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 10 Mill Road; New Rochelle. Interment will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery in Hastings on Hudson. Friends will be received from 2-5 p.m. Sunday at Kane Funeral Home, 25 Catoonah St., Ridgefield.
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