~ IN MEMORY ~
Military veteran, WA/DL Capt. Michael Pappas
May 17, 1948 – October 15, 2026
Michael Louis Pappas was born and raised in Los Angeles. While attending Cal State Los Angeles (majoring in Police Science), Michael became a flight instructor and served in the California Air National Guard. Michael’s love of aviation began when he was just a little boy, and even then, his passion was unmistakable. What began with a child’s fascination became a remarkable 60-year career in aviation.
Michael’s distinguished career took him from Golden West Airlines to Western Airlines and ultimately to Delta Air Lines, where he retired. His love of flying extended beyond the cockpit, as he built a highly successful jet school, training advanced pilots to fly jets and sharing the knowledge and expertise he had acquired over a lifetime in aviation. Last year, Michael was honored to receive the FAA’s Wright Brothers’ Master Pilot Award. Michael turned his childhood dream into a lifelong calling, and as Mary would attest, he never “worked” a day in his life.
Above all, Michael was a devoted husband who absolutely adored his wife, Mary. Their marriage was built on a deep love, steadfast loyalty, and a shared commitment to one another, standing side by side through life’s joys and challenges. Theirs was a remarkable partnership, and the love they shared will forever be part of Michael’s legacy.
As a father and grandfather, he loved playing cards and Parcheesi with his children and grandchildren, continuing the same cherished traditions he had enjoyed with his own beloved father, Mike L. Pappas. Those games brought generations together around the table, filled with laughter, friendly competition, and time spent with the people who mattered most.
Michael’s greatest joys were found in being with the people he loved, whether they were family or friends. He was gregarious, generous beyond measure, and the life of every party. His quick wit, warmth, and infectious personality could turn any gathering into a memorable occasion; after his stroke, he still had the rare gift of making people feel welcome, valued, and loved, whether they had known him for a lifetime or had just met him. Michael was loyal, devoted, and a man of unwavering integrity who stood by the people he loved. Most importantly, he was a faithful and devoted Christian who lived his life in accordance with his beliefs.
Michael is survived by his beloved wife of over 46 years, Mary; his daughters, Stacy Sawaya and her husband, Pierre; Michele Payne and her husband, Mike; and his son, Michael G. Pappas and his wife, Kelsey. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Peter and Alexandria Sawaya, James and Weston Payne, and Michael Wyatt and Sophia Pappas, each of whom held a very special place in his heart.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mike L. Pappas and Mena Pappas, and his sister, Alexis K. Fine.
Michael leaves behind a legacy that lives on in the family he loved, the friendships he treasured, the laughter he inspired, and the countless lives he touched. It lives on in the love he shared with Mary, and in the example, he set for his children and grandchildren. He had a larger-than-life personality, an unmistakable sense of humor, and a remarkable ability to make everyone he met feel special. Even after his stroke 22 years ago, Michael continued to connect with people, forging new friendships and relationships. To know Michael was to love him, and as one of his friends shared recently, “He brought people together…we all laughed, we all connected…He was an enthusiastic gatherer of genuine, good people. Whether it was on the ground or above it, in his cockpits on the radio…everyone… EVERYONE…wanted to be connected with Mike. His was a life, maybe not always easy, but so well-lived.” There will never be another Michael Pappas.