Stephen J. Papalas 1940-2022

Born Aug. 28, 1940, in Warren, Ohio, Steve was married to his lifetime love, Joyce Bertelli Papalas, for 62 years.

Steve graduated from Warren G. Harding High School in Warren in 1958. He earned his graduate degree in business finance from Youngstown State University.

He began his career as a police officer in Warren. He especially loved serving as a liaison to the Warren Western Reserve High School as informal mentor, counselor, adviser and friend to students, many who have remained his friends throughout his lifetime.

Steve left the police force to become the safety service director of Warren. He then relocated to Bellaire, Fla., where he served as town manager.

After the birth of his first three grandchildren, Steve and Joyce moved back to Michigan to be with their family, who resided there. He was employed as business consultant and mentored employees of the John A. Papalas Company in Lincoln Park, Mich.

For most of his life, Steve had three passions that drove him daily. First and most important to him was family, which he guided through his selflessness and generosity. A very close second were his many great friends, primarily in Ohio, Michigan and Florida, with whom he corresponded with daily until the end of his life. Sports was the third of his passions.

“Pappy” played softball throughout his entire life until cancer changed that. After playing in Warren / Youngstown for more than 25 years, he travelled the country from Las Vegas to Florida for over an almost 30-year senior league softball career. While his team successes and individual achievements are too numerous to list, he was most proud of inspiring multiple generations of softball players. Almost an equal obsession of Steve’s was personal fitness. He was decades ahead of his time regarding stretching, flexibility and nutrition as being the keys to long-term health that he passed along to his family and many friends.

Later in life, Steve’s priority was always his grandchildren. He loved them unconditionally and supported them in every way he could. He especially looked forward to, and enjoyed attending, the various school functions and athletic events in which they participated.

Once Steve learned of his terminal illness, he was determined to survive until he was able to see the last of his six grandchildren graduate from high school. Steve won his final challenge. Despite his weakened condition, he attended his granddaughter Nadia’s commencement ceremony on June 3. Shortly thereafter, hospice was summoned and his family was gathered with him in his home as he departed.

Throughout his journey, Steve lived a full and loving life, touching many people who will cherish his memory forever.

Stephen was the cherished father of John, Robert (Nicole) and Patrick (Kim) and loving grandfather “Pop Pop” to Steve, Cory, Jordan, Jeremy, Bobby and Nadia. He was a brother of Lou (Vicki) Papalas and Cindy (Patrick) Calvey. He is also survived by 12 nieces and nephews, numerous cousins and Mrs. Anthony (Eleanore) Papalas, his aunt.

Steve’s mother and father, Eleanore and John, preceded him in death.

Calling hours will be from 2 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 15, 2022, at the Martenson Funeral Home, 3200 West Road, Trenton, MI 48183. Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 16, 2022, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 2565 Third St., Trenton.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations, in memory of Steve, be sent to either St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org; the Nick Frankos Scholarship Fund, 1305 Buena Vista Ave., Warren, OH 44483; or a charity of the donor’s choice.

The service can be viewed at www.martenson.com. DVD copies will be available by special request. Call the Martenson Family of Funeral Homes to order.

(special notice)