Christos D. Pappas

Christos D. Pappas, loving husband, father and grandfather peacefully passed away on
New Years Day, January 1, 2026. He is survived by his wife Maria; daughters
Anastasia (Fabian) and Eleni; granddaughters Daphne and Nicoletta.
He was born March 9, 1942, in the mountain village of Demati, part of the prefecture of
Ioannina. Christos, eldest son of Demetrios and Anastasia (Staparounas) Pappas, was
the eldest of his three siblings – Vassiliki, Ioanna, Niko. He grew up during the tumultuous
period of post WWII and Civil War that resulted in much suffering, especially to the
villages of the Zagorochoria in Epirus.
The opportunity for an American dream presented itself and he came to Philadelphia as
a young teenager. He proudly graduated from high school, while working in various
restaurant positions.
In 1964, Christos was drafted into the US Army. Once he completed his eight-week
basic training program, he was sent to the Democratic Republic of Congo, in a secret
joint operation between the US Army and the Belgian Paracommando Regiment. In
1965, during the Battle of Ia Drang, the first major battle between the US Army and the
People’s Army of Vietnam (PAVN); his unit – the 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment,
claimed a Pyrrhic victory, with a casualty rate of over 50%.
After his military service, having avoided injury in battle, Christos returned to Greece.
While there, he was struck by Cupid’s arrows. He met and fell in love with Maria
Lambrou. They returned to Philadelphia and embarked on the American dream of
entrepreneurship. He opened a luncheonette on 22 nd and Alleghany Avenue, that he ran
with his younger brother. Christos would later open the New Crest Inn, on Frankford and
Pratt. Maria and Christos eventually worked together as vendors for the next 21 years.
Christos was a deeply and religiously devoted member at Saint George Cathedral and
volunteered his time on the Cathedral council for decades. He was also a proud board
member on various Greek Organizations, such as The Brotherhood Demati, Epirotes
Society of Philadelphia “Omonia”, VFW Eleftheria Post 6633, AHEPA, and various
other committees.
After retirement, Christos enjoyed returning to Ioannina frequently. He looked forward to
spending time with family and friends. He was a talented orator and rhetorician, a fan of
paradosi and the rich traditions of Epirus, and an avid reader and student of history. His
golden years were spent reflecting on his life, thankful for the blessing’s life had granted
him and always ready for the opportunity to tell stories to those who would listen.

Friends and family are welcome to attend his viewing from 10 am to11 am, Friday
January 9th , at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Philadelphia, 256 S. 8th Street,
Philadelphia, PA 19107. His funeral service will take place at 11 am in the Cathedral. His
Interment will follow at Lawnview Cemetery, 500 Huntingdon Pike, Rockledge, PA 19406.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to St.
George Greek Orthodox Cathedral.
To send flowers to the family or in memory of Christos D Pappas, please contact Riehs
Florist at 215-456-1516.

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