Thimi William Pappas

It is with profound sadness to announce that Thimi “Tim” William Pappas passed away suddenly, yet peacefully, on April 5, 2025. Tim was born in Philadelphia, the youngest of 4 children to William (Vasil) and Aleksandra (Leco) Pappas. Tim was only 6 years old when his father passed away, and he was proud to tell the story of his father being a primary mason in building the Philadelphia Art Museum.  At that time, his mother became his “rock” by cultivating his faith, his heritage, his work ethic and his overall character. She was the strongest woman in his life.

 Tim was an eternal optimist with a passion and love for learning, teaching and encouraging everyone he encountered with openness and love as his premise. His integrity and work ethic were highly respected by everyone who knew him. But most of all, God was the center of his world, and he was devoted to serving his Church and family with humility.

 When his mother passed, his determination and ultimate passion to provide for his family became the forefront for his entire life. Throughout his adolescence and into early adulthood, he learned the many ways of entrepreneurship from the ground up. He sold fruit in the alleys of West Philly to help provide for his mother. All along the way, God remained his compass and would attend church with his mother whether that meant journeying by bus or foot several hours to get to mass. 

 Tim proudly served in the United States Navy in the submarine engine room relaying information directly to the captain and engineering officers. Upon exiting the Navy in California, Tim continued his education and received his building and construction degrees before his journey into developments and custom residential properties. The yearning for gaining education branched out much further than just within the construction industry as over the years, concurrently with building and real estate acquisition, and giving his family a fruitful peaceful life, he earned several degrees in the mental health field, and then ultimately a Doctoral degree at the age of 67. The thirst for knowledge NEVER ran dry for Tim. He wanted nothing more than to encourage others to succeed and find their passion and did so by the wisdom of God. 

 A summary or day of honor could never truly express all of which is Tim Pappas. Whether his achievements, passions, deepest thoughts, or intentions. Tim strived for peace, and along that path he selflessly and quite often spread himself thin to ensure OTHERS could get there before he found his peace. But what holds true is that he is peacefully passed in the hands of God and will remain protected in heaven until we see him again.   

 Tim is survived by his wife, Donna, of 49 years, daughter Nicole Pappas (Ferrara), and sons, Timothy (Laura) and Daniel (Nicole). The loves of Tim’s life were his family including his grandchildren, Michael, Alexandra, Miles, Max, Lucy and Gabriel.

 Family and friends are welcome to attend Tim’s viewing from 10-12pm on Wednesday, April 9th, at St. John’s Chrysostom Albanian Orthodox Church, 237 N 17th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, with Mass following at 12pm. His interment will follow at Fernwood Cemetery, 6501 East Baltimore Avenue, Lansdowne, PA 19050.

 In lieu of flowers, his family requests donations be made to St. John’s Chrysostom Albanian Orthodox Church.

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