Dr. Pap was my mentor, teacher, and friend who profoundly influenced my life, professional career, and understanding of Russian and East European history.  He introduced me to Josyf Cardinal Slipyi, Professor Bohdan R. Bociurkiw, Revs. Y. Krajcar and M. Lacko of the Pontifical Institute of Oriental Studies in Rome, and Panas Fedenko in Munich, all of whom helped me with my research on the Catholic Church in Russia.  He was a great man, a wonderful father and husband, and a role model for me and thousands of other students.

I was PR director at John Carroll during Dr. Pap's heyday. He brought many a heavyweight to campus to appear in conferences sponsored by his Institute for Soviet and East European Studies. Mike and I became friends and I often ate lunch with him in his third-floor office in the Ad Bldg. JCU President Fr. Tom O'Malley often commented that "Mike has a disdain for the definite article".  His clipped Ukrainian accent omitted the "the's" and "an's" we use all the time in English. I recall, too, when Mike took leave from the University to serve in Ralph Perk's cabinet in Cleveland. Mike had contacts far and wide and was well-liked by all -- save the Soviets!

The years spent with Dr. Pap in the Soviet & Russian History meeting room were the happiest years of my graduate studies.  How many times he used his favorite word: axiomatic.  Thank you Dr. Pap for so much.  Yours was indeed a life well lived!

To your family: I wish that you rejoice, for this is not an end, it is a grand new beginning.

Fran Babic  Grad 1978

Rest in peace, Professor Pap.  You were a model, a guide, and an exemplar to generations of young scholars of history at John Carroll Univrsity.  You have mentored, nurtured, guided them and showed them how to use scholarship to combat Soviet rewriting of history.  One such  student was my husband, 
Jeremy Rakowsky, Ph.D.    You are remembered fondly and with gratitude.

Dr. Pap and my father were colleagues and friends for many years in the John Carroll University History department. My father and I extent to the Pap family our deepest sympathy for your loss. Hold close your memories during this difficult time and know your father is always with you in your hearts. God bless you.

Please accept my condolences on your loss.  May your memories comfort your heart; and God help your family during this time of sorrow. Isa.41:13

On behalf of the history department at John Carroll, I extend my condolences to the family and friends of Prof. Pap. I joined the department in 1997, several years after Prof. Pap's retirement, but I met him several times when he visited campus. He made me feel at home there. I hope his family takes solace in the impact that he had on the generations of students he taught at JCU.

Condolences to Dr. Pap's family.  Dr Pap was one of my professors in my Master's Degree program at JCU 30 years ago.  I enjoyed every session!

I had the great pleasure of being a student in Dr. Pap's history class at John Carroll in 1982.  He was a terrific teacher and I was saddened to read of his death --although he undoubtedly led a rich and noble life.  My condolences.      Jon Dileno.

Dr. Pap made history come alive. I was privileged to have him as a professor  at John Carroll. May his family find comfort in his touching so many lives throughout his career.

Dr. Charles Pap and family,

We're praying for the Lord to comfort and love all of you due to the recent loss of your father.

Rick and Karen Peterson (longtime patients from Mentor, Ohio)

One of the greatest historians. Taught me so much about Soviet and Eastern European history not only from history books but by the life he led - his escape from communism and the dignitaries whom he advised during the Cold War.  My deepest sympathy to his family. Michelle Banjoff Gillcrist

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Our condolences to the Pap family on the passing of Dr. Pap.  We  have fond memories of both Mrs. Pap and Dr. Pap from when we first came to St. Mary's (Protection of the BVM) in Solon.  Thank you for the good example!

Sincerely,
The Henderson Family

Dr. Pap was an integral part of my academic life at JCU, being one of my thesis panel and conducting the oral comprehensive exams.  Now, sadly, all three of my beloved professors have departed this life for the next.  We had many conversations over my years in the MA program at Carroll.  The photograph is so very fitting for he never was without the cigar.  In fact, at my comprehensive exam, it was a hot day in August, on the third floor Soviet Institute (for which he was rightly proud) with no air conditioning.  Dr. Ulrich (a non smoker) was seated between Dr. Pap with cigar and Dr. Prpic with pipe, turning a delightful shade of green.  I shall always remember his wisdom and demeanor as it has helped to shape my critical thinking and love for learning history and beyond.  I have long wondered where he was living.  Since my graduation in 1982, I had lost touch with him.  And I truly believe that I missed out on a lot.  May his soul, and the rest of the history team, along with the Faithful Departed, rest in the loving arms of our Father in heaven.  Dean Mason, JCU 1982.

OBITUARY

Dr. Michael S. Pap

24 July, 1920 – 1 April, 2016

DiCicco & Sons Funeral Home

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