John Achilles Pappas

John Achilles Pappas, beloved father, grandfather and uncle, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 26, after a long and truly amazing life. That he made it to 99 years and 4 months was just one of his many impressive accomplishments.

Born Ioannis Achilleas Papathanasiou in Trikala, Greece, John was the first-born son of a Greek Army general who instilled a strong work ethic in his three boys that served them well throughout life. John came of age during a tumultuous time in history – the German occupation of Greece during World War 2 and the Greek Civil War – indelible experiences that shaped his world view and fostered the strong will and determination that he carried throughout his life.

Though a career in the military may have been what his father wanted, John followed his dream to become a doctor and earned his medical degree at the University of Athens Medical School in Greece. Shortly after, John embarked on the journey that would change his life in 1956 when he set sail for America on the ship Olympia and a pediatric residency assignment in Louisville, Ky. He vowed to return once his education was done.

Knowing little English, John always laughingly recalled that it was the nurses who taught him the language. But it was a pretty young secretary named Janet Oursler who caught his eye during his epilepsy fellowship at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, that changed everything. The two were married in 1962 and in 1963, John returned to Greece, not to stay, but to introduce family to his new wife and to baptize his baby girl, Susie.

In 1964, John followed his cousin Dr. Harry Papas to the small town of Wadsworth, Ohio, where he was told they needed doctors. The two men decided to open their practices in the same building and invited other Greek doctors they knew to join them, earning the building the nickname of The Acropolis by drug representatives who called on them.

Dr. John, as he became known, practiced medicine in Wadsworth and Akron for 40 years and truly loved his work. Ever a people person, caring for children was his sweet spot because he was really still a kid at heart himself. His laughter could always be heard from the examining rooms as his customary greeting was to pinch the cheeks of his young patients. He thrived on the connections he made with families who years later would stop him on the street, exclaiming “It’s Dr. John!” and give him hugs.

John’s deep connection to his patients left a lasting impression on his granddaughter, Natalie, who often marveled at how warmly people responded to him—sometimes thinking her Papou (Greek for grandfather) was a celebrity when they were out in public. Inspired by his example, Natalie became a pediatrician herself, and one of the proudest moments of John’s life was attending her graduation from NEOMED in 2023.

In retirement, John traveled the world with the love of his life, Janet, but their most cherished memories were made at their condo in Marco Island, Florida. There, they built lasting friendships and were blessed to share countless sunsets together from their balcony overlooking the beach. Janet’s passing in 2022 was a loss from which he never recovered.

John’s kindness, gentleness and compassion were evident to all who knew him, as was his love of adventure and travel. His radiant smile, unmistakable cackle, and the way he lit up in the presence of others were just a few of his many endearing qualities. He loved his family deeply and his friends were a source of lifelong joy, as well. He also maintained strong ties to his homeland of Greece and traveled there almost every year until his early 90s. His farewell tour to Greece was at the age of 92 with his granddaughter, Natalie. He traveled to all his favorite places one last time with his nephew, Achilles, and sister-in-law, Maroula, in tow, and returned home with fond memories and a suitcase full of his favorite kasseri cheese from Trikala.

His was indeed a long and blessed life so very well-lived!

So many people have been with us on the journey of John’s care since Janet’s passing and it’s important to thank them all. First off, the staff at the Inn at Coal Ridge has our immense gratitude and respect for their kindness and compassionate care of John during his last few months. Other caregivers who must be acknowledged are the amazing Leah and Chriss Hadgis, who had their own unique journeys with John these last couple of years and to whom we are forever grateful for the joy they brought him. Thanks also go to Allison Henry and Bridgette Miller, whose kindness and care for John went above and beyond expectations. John McAnich of Vitalia Montrose was a valued advocate. Terry Yoder of Fox Rehab and Janet Clark, his OT, were truly bright lights in his life – their kindness and care will not be forgotten. Thanks also to Kathy Markland of Visiting Angels who was indeed a visiting angel in his last months. To the staff of Traditions Hospice, we thank you for your guidance and wisdom while having John in your care. And of course, thanks and love go to our many friends and family for their support from near and far through this journey.

John was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Janet Oursler Pappas; parents, Achilles and Olga Papathanasiou; brothers Kostas and Solon Papathanasiou; and beloved cousin Dr. Harry Papas. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his devoted daughter, Susan (Rob Earle); his beloved grandchildren, Natalie and namesake, John; sister-in-law, Maroula Papathanasiou, nephew, Achilleas Papathanasiou (Maria) and niece, Olga Papathanasiou (Thanasis) all of Trikala, Greece. Other special relatives he leaves behind are nephews, Dr. Nicholas (Barb) and Costa (Brenda) Papas, niece, Christine Wright (Billy Johnson), and cousin, Joanne Papas.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Akron Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church or the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Funeral Service 10 A.M. MONDAY June 30th, 2025 at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 129 S. Union St. Akron, OH 44304. Friends and family are invited to calling hours from 5-7 P.M. SUNDAY June 29th at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Road Fairlawn, OH 44333. The Trisagion prayer service will start at 6:30 P.M. Interment at Rose Hill Burial Park.

Services in care of the Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, 85 N. Miller Road Akron, OH 44333.