Obituary of Peter E. Pappas

"Ludlow-Peter E. Pappas, 87, died at Soldiers' Home in Holyoke on June 15, 2011. Born and educated in Springfield, he was a longtime resident of Palmer. Peter was retired from American International Travel Service and the US Postal Service. He was a well-known Veterans Agent in both Palmer and Ludlow for many years. He was Veteran of the Year in Ludlow in 2010 and was a Life member of the American Legion and Past Commander of Post 130 in Palmer. He held positions as Hampden County Commander, State Adjutant, State Historian and Vice-Commander. He served on numerous district, state, and national committees including Public Relations, Boy's State, and Oratorical contests. National committees included Economics, Security and Resolutions. Peter was a life member of VFW Post 7352 in Springfield, DAV Post 1 in Boston, Amvets Post 74, and CBI Veteran's Association and a life member of the 7th Bomb Group (H) Association. Peter served in the CBI Theater during WW II, 1943-1945 as a B24 Gunner in the 436th Bomb Squadron. He was awarded the DFC Air Medal with Clusters, the Asiatic Pacific Ribbon with Battle Stars, the WW II Victory Medal and the Presidential Citation. As a resident of Palmer, Peter was known for his generosity to local youth, as well as for his participation in town politics. He is survived by his sister, Diane Colapietro of Agawam, daughters Penny A. Scott and her husband, John of West Barnstable, Anita Pappas-Raposa and her husband, Andrew of Agawam. Calling hours will be on Saturday, June 18 at Beers and Story Funeral Home in Palmer from 9:00 -11:00 AM with a prayer service at 10:00. Burial will be at the Veterans Cemetery in Agawam at 9:00 AM on, Monday, June 20. The family wishes to express special thanks to the nurses and staff at the Holyoke Soldier�s Home for the exceptional care and comfort given to Peter. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to The Soldiers' Home Patient Fund, Post 130 American Legion Scholarship Fund, or St. George Cathedral Endowment Trust. "