Obituary of Michael T. Pappas

Resident of Stratford Michael T. Pappas, age 86, of Stratford, beloved husband of Joan and father of Michele and Theodore, died peacefully at home on October 19, 2010, with his wife of 27 years holding his hands. Michael was born and raised in Jersey City, New Jersey. From 1943-45 he served in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a B-17 pilot in the European Theater of Operations and rose to the rank of First Lieutenant. Michael flew 35 missions over Germany and was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry and devotion to duty. After completing his wartime service, he resumed his studies at The Cooper Union in New York City, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering and later a Master of Science in electrical engineering from New York University. Michael had a successful career in engineering in Westchester County and on Long Island, New York. He and Joan lived in Bayville, Long Island for over 30 years prior to moving to Stratford in 2001. They enjoyed sailing their boat on Long Island Sound, as far east as Boston and south along the New Jersey shore. Michael was a Past Commander of the Manhasset Bay Power Squadron and taught advanced boating courses and celestial navigation to members for many years. As a volunteer in his Stratford community, he taught safe driving through the AARP driver safety program and was active in numerous clubs and organizations. In addition to his wife, Joan, he will be deeply missed by his daughter Michele Schurman of Hillsboro, Ohio and his son Theodore Pappas of Manchester, Connecticut, his sisters Liz Freund of Warwick, New York and Julia Drozdoff of Cooper, Maine, and their spouses and children, as well as his six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. His loss also will be felt by his wife's four children and eight grandchildren, and his many friends and neighbors. Funeral Information A Memorial Gathering will take place on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull. There will be a service of remembrance at 12:15p.m. Donations Information In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Michaels memory to Connecticut Hospice at Two Trap Falls Road, Shelton CT 06484.Go to: MichaelTPappas.blogspot.com and click on comments.