It is with a sad, broken, and heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved Anthony Pappas on February 22nd, 2021. It’s a shock to us all, as we contemplate his absence from our lives moving forward.
Please feel free to post condolences or a personal tribute or story about Tony below. We’ll leave this website up forever as his memorial and add photos, videos, and writings from family and friends over time.
The Pappas Family would like to celebrate Tony’s life in person sometime in the year 2022. We hope you can join us then to share hugs, stories and celebrate the man who helped so many.
If you have images, videos, or files of any kind that you’d like us to consider adding to this website, please transfer them by clicking here or Email to Dave Pappas at info@davepappas.com.
Eileen Pappas
Dear Tony,
There are no words to express the deep hole of sadness & grief that has come since the day you drew your last breath and left us all.
Being married to you for over 53 years was an adventure. Some of the things life brought would not have been survivable had you not been at my side. God sent the perfect person into my life as a teenager and I watched you grow into an amazing husband and father to the three boys we were blessed with and saw the joy you experienced when you became a grandfather!
You thought it would never happen!
I can still see your face when you held your first grandchild in your arms the day he was born.
I laugh when I realize that birth announcements would come while we were sitting in a restaurant. That was always better than desert.
Watching our sons grow into men and start families of their own will carry on your legacy of honesty, hard work & integrity.
I’ve always been so proud of how you handled some of the situations you were put into & how you willingly helped out. That’s one of the ways you showed your love for me.
One of the most comforting thoughts I now have is you reunited with Stephen for your daily long walks.
My deep love for you will last forever and your love for me will stay hidden in my heart till the day we are reunited.
Your loving wife,
Eileen
Dave Pappas
My mind is like flowing warm water
His voice strong and clear at the edges
And in the center
As if it’s run it’s full course
And settled in the stream
Before I was ready
You stole from me something
My own flesh and blood
Time to listen from the shore
Further away now
Dancing with your first born
Holding hands for eternity
Thank you for helping
Warm the water while you were here
My only father
– David
Annemarie Prisco
It was a pleasure to have known Tony and to share in the joy of he and Eileen’s 50th anniversary celebration. He was a wonderful friend to all and will be greatly missed. Deepest sympathy.
Tracy Swope
I will never forget how quickly he welcomed our family into yours.
I thought he had a personality bigger than life, and I was a bit surprised by how warm he was the first time we met.
When Max was born, he drove to Bayridge to pick me up to spend the night so I could help with things for the baby. He talked to me the entire way back, and I knew my daughter was joining a wonderful family.
I wish I could have seen you one more time, Tony.
Rest peacefully.
Love,
Tracy & Joe Swope
Howie Raynor
I have many fond memories of my brother Tony. Road trips to Jones Beach in his beloved ‘65 green Mustang, helping Dad to build the vacation cabin in upstate NY and a canal trip on the boat to Seneca Falls, just to name a few. He was a great big brother and will be missed.
Howie
Geraldine Raynor
Thank you Tony for driving Howie and I to the movies for our first date.
You will be missed very much.
With Love,
Geri
Marie
I had the pleasure of meeting this wonderful man only once. It took just one time to make him unforgettable. His son Dave was putting his creative gifts to work on my behalf at a filter company. I was traveling and needed the marketing material to take with me. Dave could not make the airport but said that his dad would get it there for me in time. As I never met him, I asked “how will I find him?” Dave said not to worry- he would find me and to look for the man with the great smile. Sure enough, there he was. Tony and his beautiful warm friendly audacious smile waving hello. I’ll never forget how he was holding up the envelope with such love, it was as if it was an Olympic torch lighting up the whole airport.
The dots on what makes Dave such an incredible man connected. What an incredible father. I never forgot meeting Mr. Pappas that day. Pure kindness. The real deal in life. I am blessed to have had my once in our lifetime moment.
May God welcome him into his heavenly kingdom.
Until we meet again Mr. Pappas, we hold you in our heart always.
Marie
Pappas Family
Marie – you brought tears of joy to my eyes with this story about Dad. Thank you so much. He helped me so many times with my work. I’m so glad you got to meet him 🙂
Loreen Sorrentino
Dearest Eileen,
Oh the memories we have shared! From the first time meeting you both and visited our church when it was at Joe & Mary’s we knew it wouldn’t be just acquaintances but a lasting friendship! We love playing cards (hand & foot) and sharing meals with you both. We remember Tony eating mussels with us one night – he said he has never tried and wasn’t interested but after he tasted it, he LOVED it!! Also the laughter we shared when we were all together for New Years Eve a few years back – special times! We know one day we will see Tony again but until then Eileen, know we are here for you day or night! We love you dearly and will continue praying for you and your family.
Much Love,
Pastor Vic, Loreen, Jasper & Jonah Sorrentino
Dave Bartko
Tony Pappas was my friend. I’m fortunate to say that Tony was a close friend of mine these last several years. Because of covid, this last year has been a social wasteland for me, as it’s been for most of us. Because of covid, I haven’t been with Tony much this last year, and so his absence now doesn’t seem too unusual. And his passing has not fully sunk in yet.
But before covid, I was with Tony every Friday night to play Hand and Foot cards. Tony was skilled at the game and a good team player. Maybe not so much at keeping score. But he was best at partaking of the goodies we always had at our intermission before playing the final hand. Especially the deviled eggs – Tony had a healthy appetite. I will remember and miss him on Fridays.
Before covid, I was with Tony twice weekly on afternoons when the weather was fair enough to play horseshoes. Tony wasn’t as good at horseshoes as he was a card player, but he always tried his best. And no one was happier after throwing a ringer. But mostly we played for the friendship and camaraderie. Tony was best at that. He was a good listener, when he could hear you, and was a kind and thoughtful man. I will remember and miss him when we play.
Before covid, I was with Tony most Thursday mornings at our Villas men’s breakfast. I was always impressed with Tony’s will power to substitute tomatoes for bacon without complaint. It was a good day for me when I was able to grab a seat next to Tony. I will remember and miss him at breakfast.
As I look back, I was with Tony quite a bit these last several years. These were good times and good years for me, and I think for Tony as well. He seemed happy and content. I’m glad I was able to share those days and years with Tony. And I will remember and miss Tony, my friend.
Andrea
So many memories of my aunt, uncle and cousins from years ago. Going to the local carnival with them, many barbecues in their back yard, and many more. I can still hear him say “how many hamburgers do you want”. I’m so sorry for his family right now but he’s resting in paradise with so many in heaven so I’m smiling thinking about the reunions. Love you Uncle Tony.
Amie
For almost 16 years Tony Pappas was a father to me. We had more than our fair share of disagreements, and just as many “animated” conversations, but more than that we had so much love between us. Whether we agreed or not, he was always there for me.
He was the most generous man I’ve ever met. If you needed help, he would be there. He would give whatever he could, and he gave it without judgment.
Yesterday I spent the day thinking of his birthdays past. One of my favorite birthday memories is when we told him we were going to have Max. We went bowling, and then to have dinner at Olive Garden… we had wrapped a framed sonogram and a onesie that said “Grandpa’s little monkey”. I’ll never forget the look on his face when he realized what those gifts meant, or the sound of his voice when he asked “have you ever seen a grown man cry?”
With tears in his eyes. He was so happy to be having a grandchild. I loved that day.
I remember a random day he came to Brooklyn to visit us when I was pregnant. He found out I was craving an egg roll so he and I walked to the Chinese place on the corner and had egg rolls and sodas and walked around together. He helped me pick out furniture for one my first apartments in Brooklyn.
Whenever we were visiting, if we needed something he would make sure we had it, no questions asked. He drove us home from Long Island to Brooklyn more times than I can count. I never, ever paid for a meal when I was with him. He always wanted to make sure we had what we needed, and some of what we wanted too.
There were many, many happy memories shared with my father-in-law. I can hear his voice, and feel his hugs (the hugs only Tony Pappas could give). He was truly one of the greats. We were all better for knowing him.
I will miss him immensely, and remember him always. I love you Dad.
Troy & Desiree
We first met over 12 years ago when our kids started dating. We have shared many wonderful moments and lots of laughs since then. I’m smiling as I think about the hard time we used to give each other while playing cards. We will miss Tony!
Garry guyer
One of the best friends that anyone could ever have. You will be sorely missed. God got himself a good man to sit by his side.
Vinny
Buddy you will be missed in so many ways
Our laughs at the pits,our Friday night cards games
Our occasional game of pinochle
Our Wednesday lunches while our other halves were doing their own things
But most of all I will not have one of my closest friends to hang out with
RIP good friend
Mike Morgan
We only knew Tony for a short 15 months, Covid took most of those away from us. Phyll and I became quick friends with Tony and Eileen and God gave us the opportunity to help each other through some serious health issues. Tony and Eileen were the first to welcome us to the neighborhood (she makes a great quiche!) and we took turns with meals during illnesses. Tony introduced me to the men’s breakfast group and Eileen introduced Phyll to the ladies luncheon and Mahjong. Tony invited me to play horseshoes but unfortunately that never happened. Although short, we had a great relationship and he was a good friend. We will miss you Tony but we will all be together one day; God bless you and your family.
Veronica Lauruska
Ronnie
What can I say about Tony that hasn’t already been said. Tony, Eileen and I have known each other for a life time.
Tony, a kind man, a good person with a kind heart. You always knew you could count on him being a phone call away.
They say the best compliment you can get is when someone says something nice about you when you are not there to hear it. Tony knows all the things that are being said about him. He was loved, respected and will be missed. When we meet again Tony and sit to play cards, I will be sure to bring The all Chocolate Entenmann’s Cake and watch your eyes light up.
Rest In Peace my friend.
Jesse Raynor
I received the news Monday morning from my dad that his brother passed away; the first thought that came to me is how his big smile will be missed by so many. Time goes by so fast, yet I can still see that smile and hear that deep voice like yesterday; Eileen, David, and Michael; you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kathy Raynor
I know Uncle Tony is loved and missed.
With sympathy and love,
Kathy
Bonnie Composanto
Tony,our special family like friend. You always had a smiling face, kind words, and love for everyone. You loved your cookies,chicken Parm hero’s,pizza,deviled eggs on Friday nights. You will be missed by so many. We shared so many memories with you at our homes in the villas of sun valley. RIP our forever friend.
Todd Larsen
I didn’t get to talk much with Tony as I was a kid most of the time he was around our church in New Hyde Park. But I can see his smile and friendly hello as clear as it was yesterday. It was obvious to me he is a warm and friendly man who loves his family and other people. Eileen, you were very special to my dad and mom and they spoke very fondly of you and Tony. Dave and Mike, even though I was a bit older, I have great memories of sharing some time with you guys at youth group events and trips. I’m very touched seeing the pictures and thinking about the great legacy you have in a wonderful loving dad and husband that loved God and is with him today. Until you see him again, May God bless you and your families.
Jeff and Dee Dee Sienkiewicz
Tony and Eileen came into our lives at just the right moment when we needed to feel the arms of our Lord in an unmistakable way! From the moment we met until now and into eternity Tony and Eileen will be the dearest friends and family! Tony was so kind to take me (Dee Dee) “uptown” for my first appointment after back surgery, after only knowing us for such a short time. Eileen came along and helped me just as a loving parent would. We felt so much peace and joy in our times together and a strong bond that can only be described as from above. Tony and Eileen have become somewhat surrogate parents for us and we have been truly blessed with their love and support. We thank the Lord for Tony and Eileen’s presence in our lives and we commit our hearts to always be here for Eileen in the days ahead. Please know we love you both very much! Love Jeff and Dee Dee Sienkiewicz
Cecilia
We send our condolences to the Pappas Family. Although we only met Dave’s parents once, we saw so much love in their home. We will never forget the way their pet bird said “Tony!” May you all find peace in his passing, with time & look forward to the time when you are all together again. Love from the Dobis
Ken Campbell
Tony will be missed in this community. Tony worked hard with all of us in leadership to make this community a better place for all of us..
Eileen were so sorry for your loss and pray for you with this loss of your husband.
David this web site is a great dedication to your father. May God keep you his comfort.
It was a pleasure working with him on community projects. I enjoyed sharing breakfasts with him almost weekly.
Again our prayers go out for y’all.
Ken
Michael Molczyk
We are deeply saddened by this news.
Love to the whole family.
He is with Stephen now.