Dan Pappas, 96, passed away peacefully into Panagia’s arms on August 15, 2026. Beloved husband of Katina (Tsakonas) for 67 years. Loving father of Penelope (Frank) Andreou, Tom (Janese) Pappas, and Andrew (Georgia) Pappas. Cherished grandfather of Peter and Daniel Andreou, and Marianna (Mason) Peifer. Also father of David (Mo), Steve, and the late Keith Pappas from a previous relationship. Grandfather of Candace, Daniel, and Eric Pappas, and Carisa Wakeland. Great-grandfather to Nate and Josh Maltz. Fond brother of the late Zoe (Athanasios) Kostopoulos. Loving brother-in-law and uncle of many nieces and nephews both here and in Greece.

Dan was born in Chicago on January 6, 1930, to Athanasios and Penelope (Antipa) Pappas. He attended Austin High School, where he played first violin in the orchestra. He was an active member of St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church, where he served in the altar. Drafted into the Army at 21, he was stationed in Germany. Upon discharge, he moved back to Chicago. There, he met and married his loving life partner, Katina.

Dan found his calling as an entrepreneur. Many knew him as the smiling owner of Captain’s Deck on Chicago’s Northwest Side. After he retired, Dan and Katina enjoyed traveling together. He also loved golf (even though he wasn’t good at it), social gatherings, dining out, and making people laugh at his many stories and jokes. He welcomed the same from others. He will be greatly missed by everyone whose lives he touched.

May his memory be eternal.

Visitation at Nelson Funeral Home, Monday, August 24, 2026, from 4-8 p.m. 820 Talcott, Park Ridge, IL. Funeral service Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at the Transfiguration of Our Lord Greek Orthodox Chapel in Elmwood Cemetery, 2905 Thatcher Rd., River Grove, IL. Interment with military honors to immediately follow.

Donations in Dan's name to Greek American Rehabilitation and Care Center, 220 1st St., Wheeling, IL 60090, would be appreciated.

Arrangements by Memory Eternal Funeral Directors, Ltd., 847-375-0095