Harry N. Papas, M.D.

Harry N. Papas, M.D., age 94, passed away peacefully at home on November 6, 2021, surrounded by his family. Never forgetting his Greek roots, his life story epitomizes the American Dream. He was born the 12th of 15 children and emigrated to the U.S. after graduating from medical school in Athens, completing his training in Akron. Dr. Papas practiced Obstetrics and Gynecology in the Akron-Barberton-Wadsworth area for 25 years, then transitioned into his role of teaching residents until his retirement. During his professional career, he belonged to various local and national medical organizations. He was an active member for decades of both Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Akron and also St. Katherine’s Greek Orthodox Church in Naples, FL, serving both in various capacities. He was also a member of the local Akron Chapter of AHEPA. Finally, at age 77, he was honored to serve as the oldest U.S. volunteer at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Dr. Harry will be most remembered for the impact he had on everyone he met. Leading with a smile, the joy of life and optimism he exuded is his greatest legacy.

He was preceded in death by his 14 siblings, his beloved brother-in-law Harry Kefalas and son-in-law William Wright. He is survived by Joanne, his loving wife of almost 63 years, his sister-in-law Dimitra Kefalas, cousin John A. Pappas MD (Janet), children Nicholas H. Papas MD (Barbara), Constantine “Costa” Papas (Brenda), Christine Papas Wright (Bill Johnson), grandchildren Adam Papas (Christine), Alexandra Farage (Adam), H. Robert N. Papas MD (Maria), Jason N. Papas MD (Nicole), Larissa Papas, Jenna Wright, Jackson Wright (Brooklynn), and great-grandchildren Anna, Sophia, Alec, Niko, Ava, Elenna, T.J., Melina, and Peter. He is also survived by special nephews Costas Kefalas MD (Sarah Babai MD), George Kefalas MD (Tanya), and Greg Kefalas (Jen), niece Susan Pappas (Rob Earle), as well as several additional nephews and nieces both here and abroad. The family extends a special thank you to Brittany, Kim, and Tracy for their excellent care of our husband/father/grandfather.

Family will receive friends on Tuesday, November 9th, from 4PM to 7 PM with Trisagion service at 5 PM at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Road, Akron, OH 44333. Funeral services will be held at 11AM on Wednesday, November 10, at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 129 S. Union St., Akron, OH 44304. Entombment will follow at Rose Hill Burial Park in Fairlawn. Live-streaming will be available on the church website at AnnunciationAkron.org. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Dr. Harry’s name may be made to either the Akron Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church or St. Katherine’s Greek Orthodox Church, 7900 Airport-Pulling Road, Naples, FL 34109.

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