Stephen J. Papalas

Stephen J Papalas was born on August 28, 1940, in Warren, Ohio. He passed away on June 9, 2022, at the age of 81 after a 2 1/2-year battle with cancer. Steve was married to his lifetime love, Joyce (Bertelli) Papalas for 62 years. He was the cherished father of John, Robert (Nicole), and Patrick (Kim), loving grandfather “Pop Pop” to Steve, Cory, Jordan, Jeremy, Bobby, and Nadia. He was a brother of Lou (Vicki) Papalas and Cindy (Patrick) Calvey. He is also survived by twelve nieces and nephews, numerous cousins and Mrs. Anthony (Eleanore) Papalas, his aunt. Steve’s mother and father, Eleanore, and, John, preceded him in death. Steve graduated from Warren G Harding High school in Warren, OH in 1958. He earned his graduate degree in Business Finance from Youngstown State University. He began his career as a police officer in Warren, Ohio. He especially loved serving as a liaison to the Warren Western Reserve High School as informal mentor, counselor, advisor, and friend to students, many who have remained his friends throughout his lifetime. Steve left the police force to become the Safety Service Director of Warren, Ohio. He then relocated to Bellaire, Florida where he served as Town Manager. After the birth of his first three grandchildren, Steve and Joyce moved back to Michigan to be with their family who resided there. He was employed as business consultant and mentored employees of the John A. Papalas Company in Lincoln Park, Michigan. For most of his life, Steve had three passions that drove him daily. First and most important to him-family, which he guided through his selflessness and generosity. A very close second were his many great friends, primarily in Ohio, Michigan and Florida that he corresponded with daily until the end of his life. Sports was the third of his passions. “Pappy” played softball throughout his entire life until cancer changed that. After playing in Warren/Youngstown for over 25 years, he travelled the country from Las Vegas to Florida for over an almost 30-year senior league softball career. While his team successes and individual achievements are too numerous to list, he was most proud of inspiring multiple generations of softball players. Almost an equal obsession of Steve’s was personal fitness. He was decades ahead of his time regarding stretching, flexibility and nutrition as being the keys to long-term health that he passed along to his family and many friends. Later in life, Steve's priority was always his grandchildren. He loved them unconditionally and supported them in every way he could. He especially looked forward to, and enjoyed attending, the various school functions and athletic events in which they participated. Once Steve learned of his terminal illness, he was determined to survive until he was able to see the last of his six grandchildren graduate from high school. Steve won his final challenge. Despite his weakened condition, he attended his granddaughter Nadia’s commencement ceremony on June 3. Shortly thereafter, hospice was summoned, and his family was gathered with him in his home as he departed. Throughout his journey, Steve lived a full and loving life, touching many people who will cherish his memory forever. Calling hours will be Wednesday, June 15 from 2:00 pm through 7:00 pm at the Martenson Funeral Home, 3200 West Road in Trenton, Michigan 48183. Mass will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 2565 3rd Street, Trenton, Michigan on Thursday, June 16 at 10:00. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in memory of Steve be sent to either St. Jude’s Hospital for Children, https://www.stjude.org, the Nick Frankos Scholarship Fund (1305 Buena Vista Ave, Warren, OH 44483), or a charity of your choice. The service can be livestreamed at www.facebook.com/stjosephtrenton/ or by clicking the watch event link included with the memorial service module below. The livestreaming will begin 5 minutes prior to the start of mass.