Obituary of George Pappas

George M. Pappas Age 92, died at the Joliet Area Community Hospice Home of natural causes. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emanuel and Marianthe Pappas; wife, Irene (Policandriotes); and sisters, Helen (Fofo) and Stella Pappas. Survived by his wife, Athena (Vandarakis); children, Michael G. (Marianne) Pappas, Barbara (Raymond) Pasteris; grandchildren, Julian Pappas, Brendan (Monique Silen) Pappas, Marisha (Michal Klus) Pasteris, and Jessica (Daniel) McDougal; and great-granddaughter, Scarlet McDougal. He was a member of All Saints Greek Orthodox Church. An avid athlete, he coached the church G.O.Y.A. basketball team in the 1950's to a national championship. Throughout his life he had been a member of The American Legion, Kiwanis Club, Order of AHEPA, and Loyal Order of Moose. A graduate of Joliet Township High School Class of 1942, George was lettered in basketball. He attended Joliet Junior College. He served as Assistant Chief of Communications in Africa and Europe in the Army Air Corps in WWII. He owned the Boston Electric Shoe Repair and Travel Shop, George's Drive-In, developed and operated The Cuckoo Clock Drive-In, The Iron Kettle Restaurant and George's Pub. He managed restaurants for Faber Corporation in Chicago and was an area supervisor for Dairy Queen and Frosty Tips. In more recent years, he clerked at Glenwood Marathon. George Pappas was an energetic, positive, kind, loving and hard working man who in business and at home thrived on seeking creative solutions. He loved golf, swimming, fishing and hunting. He had a close circle of family and friends and was always concerned for and working to further the welfare of others. Funeral Services for George M. Pappas will be Friday, January 2, 2015 at 8:45 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet to All Saints Greek Orthodox Church for services at 9:30 a.m. Interment Woodlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Joliet Area Community Hospice or the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church Endowment Fund. Visitation Thursday, 3-7 p.m. with Trisagion Services at 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home. For information: 815-741-5500