Chicopee, MA – John T. Pappas, age 84, passed away peacefully on Feb. 27, 2020 at the Willimansett Center East Nursing Home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on April 27, in Kalamata, Greece, son of the late Athanasios and Paraskeve (Minos) Papakonstantinou. John attended high school in Downers Grove, Illinois and was a United States Air Force Korean War Veteran. He started his career working in management at Brown Company and later worked for many years as an Area 4 Sector Director of Western MA for the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency until his retirement. John was an active member of Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Chicopee for over fifty years and served as the parish president for many years. He was also a member of the Free Masons and the American Legion Post 353. During the 1970’s, John served on the Board of Appeals and then was elected Alderman for Ward 1 in Chicopee. In most recent years, he continued his great liking for politics and served as community liaison for State Representative Joseph Wagner. John had a personality larger than life and was well liked by all who had the pleasure of meeting him. In his spare time, John enjoyed taking care of his yard and watching western movies and the Greek channel on TV. His greatest love, however, was his family. He enjoyed family gatherings and especially being an adored Papou to his grandsons and great- grandson who all brought him great joy. John was predeceased by his beloved late wife Anna J. (Andrews) Pappas who passed away in 1982. John is survived by his loving wife Despina (Popoloski) Pappas of Chicopee, formerly of Peabody; a devoted daughter, Vivian Pappas of Chicopee, a devoted son, Thomas J. Pappas and his wife Gail of Peabody; four grandchildren, Anthony Aickelin and his wife Tesha of Ludlow, Nicholas Aickelin and his wife Lindsey of Chicopee, Yanni Pappas of Peabody, Max Popoloski of Bradford, MA and his great- grandson, Ethan Aickelin of Ludlow. He also leaves his dear niece Demetra Antonakas, her husband Anthony and their daughter Maria of Santa Clara, CA and his step-son Al Popoloski and his wife Heather of Bradford, MA. He was predeceased by his brother George T. Pappas. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 at 11:00 AM at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church followed by a funeral service at 12:00 noon. Burial will take place in Fairview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, PO Box 112, Chicopee, MA 01021 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 264 Cottage St. Springfield, MA 01104. The Grise Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.