Michael Louis Pappas
OBITUARY
Michael Louis Pappas was born and raised in Los Angeles. His childhood passion for aviation became an extraordinary 60-year career, taking him from Golden West Airlines to Western Airlines and ultimately Delta Air Lines. He also founded a successful jet flight school, sharing his expertise with generations of pilots. In 2025, he received the prestigious FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award. As his beloved wife, Mary, would attest, Michael never “worked” a day in his life.
Above all, Michael adored Mary, his wife of more than 46 years, and cherished his family. He especially loved playing cards and Parcheesi with his children and grandchildren, continuing traditions passed down from his own father.
Gregarious, generous beyond measure, and always the life of the party, Michael had an infectious personality, quick wit, and a remarkable gift for bringing people together. A man of unwavering integrity and deep Christian faith, he made everyone feel welcome, valued, and loved.
Michael is survived by his beloved wife, Mary; his children, Stacy Sawaya (Pierre), Michele Payne (Mike), and Michael G. Pappas (Kelsey); and his cherished grandchildren, Peter and Alexandria Sawaya, James and Weston Payne, and Michael Wyatt and Sophia Pappas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mike L. and Mena Pappas, and his sister, Alexis K. Fine.
Michael leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, loyalty, and countless lives touched. As one dear friend shared, “He brought people together…we all laughed, we all connected.”
To know Michael was to love him. There will never be another Michael Pappas.