Dr. George Stephen Pappas, 92, has died

Dr. George Stephen Pappas, 92, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, July 7, 2016. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Margaret Collotta Pappas.

Born October 16, 1923 in Poughkeepsie, New York, Dr. Pappas was the son of local businessman Stephen Pappas and Calliope Tsolis. After graduating from Poughkeepsie High School, he enrolled at Fordham University, Bronx, NY graduating with a BS in Biology. While at Fordham, Dr. Pappas enlisted in ROTC and served as a staff sergeant in the US Air Force Transport Command in the Pacific during World War II.

Upon completing his military service, Dr. Pappas 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 College, 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, Dr. 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 MACUB, the Metropolitan Association of College and University Biologists. Dr. Pappas also chaired the institute of the National Science Foundation at Iona College whereby students and professors alike could receive masters degrees in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. He authored a textbook on histology and has published many articles in scientific journals.

Dr. Pappas is survived by his loving wife Margaret and his three children, Linda Pappas Funsch of Frederick, Maryland, Stephen George Pappas of St Simons Island, Georgia and Elizabeth Pappas Bortz of Ridgefield, Connecticut. He will be missed by his 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 as well as his 5 great grand children, Thomas Wood, James Wood, Peyton Funsch, Mia Funsch, and Zara Newberry.

Dr. Pappas and his wife Margaret 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.

Dr. Pappas, a brilliant and kind man, will be missed by his family, colleagues and his many friends.

The Rite of Burial will take place on Monday, July 11, 2016 at 11:30 AM at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church: 10 Mill Road; New Rochelle, NY. Interment will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery; Hastings on Hudson, NY.

Friends will be received on Sunday, July 10, 2016 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Kane Funeral Home; 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield.