I saw the front page of the Fresno Bee of the celebration of all the people your husband touched. It's amazing how many lives one life can inspire. True love lives no matter what spiritual realm they live in. He will always be there at your side and you in his. Memories hold no boundaries.

My dad Robert Starr sends his thoughts&prayers to you're family. He wanted to pass on his condolences. My dad used to work with Mike alot. From his Daughter Elizabeth Starr

My sincere condolences to all of Mike's family . We graduated together in 1968 & Fresno High, has lost a great warrior! ,

Thank you Hamilton Hurricanes for the wonderful tribute to Coach Pappas yesterday! Don't forget all the life lessons he taught you about never quitting and never giving up and ALWAYS do you best! He is so proud of all of you, so keep on running and finish the race. OHANA

With Sympathy and Care
Loving memories sustain us in times of sadness.

My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you Susan and your family.
Fondly,
Mary Egoian

So sorry to hear about Mike.  I know he will be missed by family and friends.  His passing was a surprise to Donna and I although we knew he had been ill. 
 We hope that Susan and the rest of his family find strength in the heart felt messages left in respect of Mike. RSP

I was shocked and saddened to read of Mike's passing. Though I had not seen him in the years since my retirement, I thought of him - and the other BDA softball teammates I played with (so many years ago!) - often. 
Mike was a good person to be associated with. He had a compelling personality, was competitive, but not in an obnoxious way. He played, and enjoyed, the "Good Game."
Unfortunately circumstances beyond my control kept me from attending his services. None-the-less, I will honor his memory by donating to the fight against the hideous disease that took him at such an early age! I have lost friends, and family to cancer - especially leukemia - and hope someday we will  beat this enemy!
Mike you are missed!



When I started working as the Librarian at Aynesworth in 1983, Mike was a 5th grade teacher next door to me.  He immediately introduced himself and welcomed me to the staff..  He was a great teacher, coach and friend and respected by everyone.  My deepest sympathy and prayers to Susan and family on his passing.
Jackie Manoogian

I was so sad to hear of Mike's passing Susan as I have been following his brave battle with Bob.  I taught second grade when Figarden opened and Mike was so helpful with helping the ladies set up equipment and with encouragement.  I will smile every time I think of him as he always had a smile for all of us.  My prayers will be with you and your beautiful family.  Sincerely,  Diana Lambert

Susan

So sorry for your loss. I got to know Mike when I was helping with track these many years. My thoughts and prayers to you and family...

Class of 1968 - Fresno High

I go way back in knowing Mike.  First, his dad repaired many broken windows at Kirk School when I was teaching there.  He was such a great guy, too, and he told me about Mike who was in high school at the time.  When I taught at McCardle, I was lucky to have Mike as a custodian while he was in college.  Then when I transferred to Aynesworth, there was Mike as a teacher!  I feel lucky to have known both Mike and his dad.  So sad to see him go at such a young age.  Joanie Preuss

Rest in Peace Mike. We are praying and remembering all the fun games and times and how you touched the life of our son Broddy and so many others; especially The Starr Knights! We will miss you, your wonderful smile and love for kids! RIP Our Friend, 
Linzie, Debi (and Broddy~)

I was sitting in a student teacher seminar at Fresno Pacific University last year and the topic of the nights discussion was "What teacher in your years of education made a lasting impression on you?" There were 15 students present and two students, that were not close friends, quickly put up their hands to say 'Mr. Papas .'  They both spoke of the wonderful example Mike was of fairness and respect. He taught life lessons so much from example. Some of my best years of teaching were at Figarten in fifth grade. Mike and I had so much fun being team mates. He was a wonderful man. My heartfelt sympathies for Susan and the family. May God carry you all in the palm of His hand.

Much sympathy to the Pappas family as they say goodbye to their beloved husband and dad. I was at the service today and never have I seen such a great tribute to a much loved teacher.  Everybody wanted to claim him as there own!! What a beautiful testament to one of Fresno Unified's finest teachers and coaches!!
~Vaughn & Joy O'Connor

It is sad to hear of his passing he was the best coach I have ever had he has taught me so much about sports and how to become a better player it was always fun but educational he will never be forgotten prayers go out to his family 
Figarden falcon????

So very sorry to hear about Mike. He was an amazing mentor and friend to me during my first few years of teaching at Aynesworth. I will never forget the positive energy, loving guidance, and friendliness he shared with me.  I respected and loved him dearly! My prayers are with you at this very difficult time.

My greatest sympathy to the Pappas family.  I taught with Mike at Aynesworth and really enjoyed being a teacher with him with his classroom next door that had a connecting door.  What a shock to read his obit on line.  Stan Ostrom

The Arena family feels so honored to have had Mr. Pappas in all of our lives. We are all devastated by his passing, however his spirit for life will continue on in our hearts each day.  We send our thoughts and prayers to Susan, Jenny and Nick.  Once a Falcon...always a Figarden Falcon!! Phil, Carol, Christopher & Patrick Arena

My condolences to his family.  Mr. Pappas was a great man.  I had the honor of having him as my 5th grade teacher as well as coach for cross country and track and I also sold Ice Cream after school in his class.  He taught me to be dedicated and to be responsible.  He was a great teacher and mentor and I along with many other classmates have and will never forgot the coaching and life lessons he taught us. He will truly be missed.

The Beasley family would like to send our condolences to the Pappas family. Mr. Pappas was truly an inspiration to all three of us growing up. Not only was he a great math teacher to all of us but truly a great mentor as well. We will never forget the many laughs shared while in his classroom and at oh so many cross country meets. 

- Nikki, Jennifer and Falon

Our hearts are broken and so saddened to hear of Mike's passing....He was such a genuine guy who was so very helpful to me during Nick's little league years....My prayers are with Mike, Susan, Jenny and Nick....May his strength and character live on through you and your families forever.    Sincerely, Randy Cervelli and family

Our heart goes out to the family for the loss they are suffering  Mr Pappas was a such a special  
man and teacher and my children still think he walked on water and they are grown now . He just had that special thing and kids and parents loved him . We are so sorry for your loss and away to early. May bGod be with you and your family thru this most difficult time and carry you when you aren't able to make it on your own. The Robert Sellars Family Robert , Exia , Max

Very sad to hear this. Mr. Pappas was an awesome  teacher! Loved having him as a p.e teacher and coach as a Hamilton hurricane. My condolences to his family.

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

My prayers are with the family.I know Mr.Pappas from Hamilton my granddaughter Alexis L was in cross country he was a great coach we will miss him.

My kids were blessed to be coached both in class and on the sports field by Mike at Figarden Elementary. His influence in their lives and the lives of others lives on. Well done Mike!

Sending my thoughts and prayers to the family. Mr. Pappas was a wonderful teacher and coach. He made such an impact on my life along with so many others. I feel so blessed to have known him!

Susan, Jenny, and Nick,
I am so sorry for your loss of a great husband, father, friend, and someone who made a difference in kids lives. I feel blessed to have had the chance to work and coach with Mike at Figarden. 
It was a great time to be a Falcon and Mike was a BIG part of the reason! 
XOXO
Melissa Cain

OBITUARY

Michael L. Pappas

February 19, 1950 – October 15, 2013

Stephens and Bean Funeral Chapel

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