Obituary for Arthur "Jerry" Papas
Irondequoit: Passed away peacefully on June 19, 2019 at the age of 83 after a courageous battle with Parkinson's. Jerry is predeceased by his beloved wife, Karin of 44 years; brother, Kosta; brother-in-law, Kuozo; and parents, George and Kaliope. He is survived by his daughter, Dianne Parisi; sons, Gregory (Diane) and James (Diane); grandchildren, Nicholas, Kathryn, John, Michael, Alexia and Kristina; sister, Sultana (Kosta) of Greece; sister, Elefteria; brother, Louie (Patsy); sister-in-law, Jeannie all of Toronto; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Jerry was born in Oxia, Kastoria, Greece as Argyrios Papakonstantinou. With little opportunities, he was sponsored by cousins Bill and Ellen Mitchell for immigration to the U.S. in 1951 and became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1956. Jerry began his lifelong career in the restaurant business when he became a cook at Kramer's Restaurant in downtown Rochester. It was while at Kramer's that he met his future wife, Karin, who was also employed there. They married in 1960 and began saving for their own business. This became a reality when they started Points West Restaurant on Mt. Read Blvd. in the 1960's. Later on, Jerry formed a partnership with two fellow Greek-Americans, Nick Kostarellis and Jimmy Ziakas and expanded to a total of seven Points West Restaurants during the 1970's and in the 1980's he owned the Buccaneer Restaurant. In 1990, Jerry and family started the Parkside Diner in Irondequoit, where he instilled his strong work ethic to his children and grandchildren. Jerry could frequently be seen socializing with patrons and doing what he loved best-being with people.
Jerry had a witty sense of humor which could make everyone laugh. He was a wonderful story-teller with a cheerful demeanor. He adored and was proud of his six grandchildren. He especially enjoyed playing cards with his dear friends Jerry and Danny and shared many laughs over the years with friends Pat, Alex and George, Jimmy's father-in-law, Pando and his dear cousin "Uncle Billy."
A special thanks to the staff at Hill Haven Seabreeze Park Unit for their continuous care and attention. Their services are most appreciated. Also, a special thank you to the Mitchell cousins, Kathy, Patty and Jane for all their love, guidance and support.
Family and friends are welcome Sunday 4-7pm at the Dreier-Giltner Funeral Home, 1717 Portland Ave. Trisagion Service at 7pm. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, 11am at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation at 962 East Ave. Interment White Haven Memorial Park.
Jerry was born in Oxia, Kastoria, Greece as Argyrios Papakonstantinou. With little opportunities, he was sponsored by cousins Bill and Ellen Mitchell for immigration to the U.S. in 1951 and became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1956. Jerry began his lifelong career in the restaurant business when he became a cook at Kramer's Restaurant in downtown Rochester. It was while at Kramer's that he met his future wife, Karin, who was also employed there. They married in 1960 and began saving for their own business. This became a reality when they started Points West Restaurant on Mt. Read Blvd. in the 1960's. Later on, Jerry formed a partnership with two fellow Greek-Americans, Nick Kostarellis and Jimmy Ziakas and expanded to a total of seven Points West Restaurants during the 1970's and in the 1980's he owned the Buccaneer Restaurant. In 1990, Jerry and family started the Parkside Diner in Irondequoit, where he instilled his strong work ethic to his children and grandchildren. Jerry could frequently be seen socializing with patrons and doing what he loved best-being with people.
Jerry had a witty sense of humor which could make everyone laugh. He was a wonderful story-teller with a cheerful demeanor. He adored and was proud of his six grandchildren. He especially enjoyed playing cards with his dear friends Jerry and Danny and shared many laughs over the years with friends Pat, Alex and George, Jimmy's father-in-law, Pando and his dear cousin "Uncle Billy."
A special thanks to the staff at Hill Haven Seabreeze Park Unit for their continuous care and attention. Their services are most appreciated. Also, a special thank you to the Mitchell cousins, Kathy, Patty and Jane for all their love, guidance and support.
Family and friends are welcome Sunday 4-7pm at the Dreier-Giltner Funeral Home, 1717 Portland Ave. Trisagion Service at 7pm. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, 11am at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation at 962 East Ave. Interment White Haven Memorial Park.