OCEANSIDE, NY –
The entire St. Paul Cathedral family in Hempstead, NY and the local AHEPA Chapter No.170 said today (12/3) a final goodbye to a longtime parishioner and member, Archon William Pappas, who passed away peacefully on November 28, 2024, at the age of 93.
His funeral was held on December 3 at his beloved Cathedral of Saint Paul and he was eulogized by Fr. Christopher Constantinides, dean of the Cathedral, who spoke about his lifelong strong commitment to the church and his numerous contributions to the community. Heartfelt words of comfort and hope were also offered by Fr. Dimitrios Antokas.
Pappas, a devoted and lifelong member of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of St. Paul in Hempstead, NY, dedicated 69 years to his faith and community. Serving as both the parish council financial officer and later as president, he played an instrumental role in the life of the church. Under his leadership, the first Greek Festival was established, an event that led to the burning of the church mortgage, marking a pivotal moment in the parish’s history.
He also spearheaded the purchase of a large parcel of property adjacent to the church, securing its future growth. His efforts extended to the donation of a nearby house, transforming it into the Constantine Cassis Education Center that continues to serve the parish’s needs.
Pappas was a builder of custom homes, founding Bee Hive Builders in 1961, a business still thriving under the ownership of his son, George.
He was the beloved husband of Jennie Economou Pappas, with whom he shared 69 beautiful years of marriage. Together, they built a legacy of love, faith, and service.
Pappas is survived by his three children, Dr. Thomas Pappas, George Pappas, and Maria Pappas Speckerman; his ten grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren, all of whom will cherish his memory and carry forward his values of dedication and devotion to family.
A pillar of his community and a loving patriarch, Pappas leaves behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come.
“William Pappas was known to many of us as Bill. He was a proud member of the AHEPA Constantine Cassis Chapter No.170 that was called AHEPA Theodore Roosevelt Chapter No.170 back when Bill had joined and been initiated on February 9, 1954. Bill was a Lifetime member of our Chapter here in Hempstead. On behalf of our AHEPA family of Hempstead, we send our condolences and deepest sympathies to the Pappas Family. He will be missed and was loved by all of us. May his Memory be Eternal”, noted Anastasi Stambolis, President of the AHEPA Constantine Cassis No.170 Charter in a statement.
In lieu of Flowers, the family requested that donations in memory of William Pappas be made to the Endowment Fund for the benefit of the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Paul.
