Obituary of Nicholas Pappas

Courageous, loving and devoted father, brother, uncle and friend. Nicholas “Nick” James Pappas, 57 of Sarasota, Florida passed away on June 30, 2024. 

He is survived by his children Demetri Pappas, Ella Pappas and Ava Pappas and siblings Patricia Alevrontas and her husband Theodore, George Papadopoulos and his wife Maria, Ralph Papadopoulos and his wife Yvette, Peter Papadopoulos and his wife Jackie.

He was a compassionate, caring and fun uncle to his five nephews and four nieces, Christopher, Demitria, Penelope (Alevrontas); Alexandra, Gregory, Jonathan (Papadopoulos); Andrew (Papadopoulos); Alexander and Quinn (Papadopoulos).  He also had many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and very dear friends who were brothers and sisters to him too.

The oldest of five children, Nicholas was born in New York City to the late Demetrios and Ursula Papadopoulos. Nicholas was known to most people as Nick. Nick was a strong, brilliant, kind, thoughtful, generous, driven and funniest man you could have met. Nick had the biggest smile and one of the most energetic personalities no matter what was going on. Nick always focused on the positive and had a can do attitude with everything he put his mind to!  Nick was a mentor and role model, pushing everyone to reach their potential. 

Nick was always eager to learn and master new things. His education is a testament to his love and passion for learning and teaching others. Nick graduated from Stuyvesant High School, class of 1985 and later graduated from Dartmouth College, class of 1989 with a Bachelor of Arts in Classical Studies.  Nick then went on to receive his J.D. from Brooklyn Law School, class of 1992.  Nick always loved working with computers (whether he was building them or taking them apart in addition to coding and gaming) so it was only fitting that he then went on to receive an M.S. in Computer Science from New York University, class of 1998.

Nick was a lawyer, professor and entrepreneur. Later in his career, he was most proud of the pet products he created, inspired by his own dog! Nick loved to draw and was a huge Marvel fan. He even created his own superheroes.  He enjoyed catching a ball game with family and friends, especially rooting for the Mets! Nick was truly happy when he was able to spend time with his children, family and friends, being surrounded by those he loved. Nick was an inspiration to all of us and was loved by so many people. He never let his cancer define him and was always willing to get on a new clinical trial that could help extend his life, fighting for almost 10 years! Nick is the definition of a true Spartan Warrior! 

Visitation is at Matthew Funeral Home at 2508 Victory Blvd, Staten Island, NY on Tuesday, July 9th from 2pm-4pm and 6pm-9pm. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 10th at 10am at Holy Trinity Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 1641 Richmond Avenue, Staten Island, NY followed by burial at Ocean View, The Cemetery Beautiful.