Obituary of Peabody Deputy Fire Chief Peter C. Pappas, Ret.

Peabody Deputy Fire Chief Peter C. Pappas, Ret., 89, husband of Clara (Jamont) Pappas of Peabody, died on Thursday, May 6, 2010 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers with his family at his side. Mr. Pappas was born in Peabody, January 31, 1921, son of the late Charles and Mary (Papademitropoulos) Pappas. He was raised in Peabody and graduated from Peabody High School Class of 1939. During WW II, he served as a machine gunner in the U.S. Army with the 79th Infantry, The Cross of Lorraine Division, in Europe. Peter went ashore at Normandy on the fourth day and eventually was wounded twice and was awarded two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star. Following his hospital stay, he rejoined his outfit after the breakout from St. Lo. On January 1, 1951, Peter was appointed to the Peabody Fire Department and progressed through the ranks. On April 19, 1977, he attained the rank of Deputy Fire Chief, which he held until his retirement on June 19, 1983 completing 32 years and five months of dedicated service to the City of Peabody. After his retirement, Peter was an invaluable partner to his son-in-law in the management of the Hillview Country Club in North Reading, MA. Last but not least, he was the best and most beloved “babysitter” to his grandchildren. Peter was a 51 year member of the Jordan Lodge A.F. & A.M. in Peabody, a member of the Peabody V.F.W. Fidelity Post 1011 and the D.A.V. Chapter 100. In addition to his wife with whom he shared 63 years of marriage, he is survived by a daughter and her husband, Cindy and Chuck Angelopulos of Swampscott; a son, Charles P. Pappas of Wells, ME; five grandchildren, John Angelopulos of New York City, Cara Angelopulos of Boston, Peter Pappas, Michael Pappas and Gregory Pappas all of Wells, ME; a sister-in-law, Sarah Sweeter of Peabody, and a niece and four nephews. His brother, William C. Pappas predeceased him. His funeral will be held on Monday, May 10, 2010 at 9 a.m. from the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody followed by a service at 10 a.m. in St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church, 5 Paleologos St., Peabody. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours are Sunday, May 9, 2010 from 4 to 7 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kaplan Family Hospice House, 78 Liberty St., Danvers, MA 01923. Burial in cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody.