Tom was born on February 24, 1942, at Emory Hospital in Atlanta. He graduated from Gordon Military Academy and earned both a bachelor’s degree in architecture and a master’s in construction from Georgia Tech. As an architect and project manager, he oversaw the redesign of NASA’s Vertical Assembly Building for the space shuttle program. In 1988, he published “Risk Management for Building Professionals.” Tom taught architecture and construction management at Georgia Tech for over ten years and later taught at Southern Polytechnic Institute after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He also enjoyed woodworking, painting, and drawing.
Mr. Papageorge is survived by his wife of 22 years, Andrea L. Papageorge; sons, David Papageorge (Debbie), Steven Papageorge (Kristen), Chad Papageorge; grandchildren, Morgan Papageorge (Wes), Thomas Papageorge, Mary Papageorge, Alex Papageorge, David Papageorge, Peter Papageorge; sisters, Evangeline Wilbanks, Connie Wheeler (Ned); and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Instead of flowers, please consider donating to the Center for Movement Challenges (https://www.centerformovementchallenges.org/). Tom enjoyed Boxing for Parkinson’s, and the Center played a key role in his well-being.
A memorial service followed by a reception will be Monday, October 27, 2025 at 1:30 P.M. at H.M. Patterson and Son, Arlington Chapel, 173 Allen Rd., NE, Sandy Springs, GA 30328.