Alexander Nicholas Papageorge

It is with heavy hearts we announce the peaceful passing of Alexander Nicholas Papageorge, 89, of Downingtown, PA, on March 8th. Born in Dafni, Greece, he was the son of the late Nicholas and Maria (Georges) Papageorge. His rural childhood was interrupted by WWII, quickly followed by the Greek Civil War. Alex, with his mother and siblings, escaped the chaos and emigrated to the United States in 1950, joining his father in West Philadelphia. He quickly developed a love for all things American – especially movies (where he spent countless hours in the theater learning the English language), comics, and cars – while maintaining tight ties to the language and culture of his beloved motherland. He gladly took the jobs available to him, including dishwasher, carpenter, bartender, and painter, before owning and operating successful coffee houses, pizzerias, and delis. He had a love of history and geography and would gladly share his knowledge and stories with anyone who would listen. The first question he would often ask when meeting someone new was, “Where are you from? What is your culture?”

He was widely cherished for his mischievous sense of humor and charisma, and his ability to make friends effortlessly, a warmth and charm he maintained until his final days. His greatest joy in life was being “Pappou” to his two grandchildren, with whom he shared a home with for 18 years.

He is survived by his daughters, Maria Scavitto (Joseph) and Anna, grandchildren Angelina and Joey, his ex-wife, Eleni Evangelopoulos, and brother Tim, as well as many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He was predeceased by his son, Nicholas.

A beloved, father, grandfather, brother, cousin and uncle, Alex will be remembered fondly by all he met and encountered, quickly developing an easy rapport and bestowing a memorable nickname to his friends, as a favorite cousin said, “he had so much character, so much color to his soul.”

Friends and family are welcome to attend a visitation from 10am to 11:00 am, Thursday, March 13, 2025, at St. Luke’s Greek Orthodox Church, 35 N Malin Road in Broomall, PA. His funeral Service will begin promptlyat 11:00 am.  His interment will follow at Valley Forge Memorial Gardens. 

in lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in his name to St. Lukes Greek Orthodox Church or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.  Please find links below.

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