Vincent Matthew Dr. Papa

Dr. Vincent Matthew Papa, age 65, passed away suddenly from a stroke in his home in San Antonio, TX, on March 11, 2015. Born Vincenzo Matteo Papa, in Catania (Sicily), Italy, he moved to Calumet City, IL with his parents at a young age. Despite English not being his first language, this brilliant man received a BA degree and an MS degree from Notre Dame, and subsequently a PhD from the University of Illinois. In 1993 his career brought him to the Air Force Drug Testing Lab at Brooks Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX. He was instrumental in forming the Graduate Toxicology Program at The University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHSC) where he was an adjunct professor. Dr Papa's accreditations include Diplomate/Fellow of the American Board of Forensic Toxicology (ABFT) and a member of the Society of Forensic Toxicologists (SOFT) and the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS). He attended St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church in San Antonio and was a member of the Knights of Columbus and ACTS. After 15 years of service he retired but continued until his death as a forensic toxicologist and expert witness for the US Department of Defense as well as for private cases.

Dr Papa is survived by his wife of 21 years, Rachel Reidelbach Papa, and their three daughters, Ashley, Justina, and Sara, as well as 2 grandchildren, Adrianna and Christian. He is also survived by his mother, Rosaria Sidote Papa, 97, of Scottsdale, AZ. Vince was preceded in death by his father, Rosario Papa. He leaves behind many relatives and friends in both the US and Italy. He was truly loved and will be missed by all.