Andrew T. Pappas went to Heaven Nov. 29, 2022, due to complications and illness following a Triple Bypass Surgery.

Andy was born in Detroit, Mich., and was the eldest of three sons from Anthony T. Pappas, father, and Andrea D. Mayzes, mother. The family moved from Detroit to Livonia, Mich., about 10 years later. Andy missed his favorite Church there in Detroit, St. Constantine and Helens Greek Orthodox Church.

Andy was very proud of his Greek Heritage from very early in life and became the head Alter Boy at the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Livonia, Mich. Andy also loved sports (hockey) and music. He loved playing the drums, and his favorite group throughout his life was The Beatles. The neighbors did not enjoy the drums as much as Andy did! As a young teenager, Andy had a Detroit News paper route and delivered newspapers on his bicycle in rain, snow or shine, seven days a week after school, and the early morning hours on the weekend.

There were many bullies around our neighborhoods back then, and Andy excelled at protecting us younger brothers. Often, Andy would have to "clean their clocks," as was the term back then. Many of those bullies ended up in Andy's Notorious Head Lock that could make a Boa Constrictor jealous. With Andy around, I (Jimmy) had no fears.

Andy graduated from Churchill High School in 1974 and started working as a Night Stock Clerk at the local Kroger Grocery Store at about the age of 20. Later, the family opened The Grecian Palace (a Greek/American Restaurant in Southfield, Mich.). There, Andy became the day manager and breakfast cook. Andy loved the restaurant business.

A few years later, the family sold the restaurant and moved to Brighton, Mich. Some years later, Andy moved to Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., and worked for the Yellow Cab Company as a driver and dispatcher. There, he met and married his wife, Evelyn Pappas. Andy and Evelyn raised their son, Andy Jr., and daughter, Michelle Pappas. Andy and Evelyn were married for about 33 years until their divorce.

In the years ahead, Andy owned and managed several restaurants around Florida. Then for many years Andy worked in auto sales and was very successful managing several dealerships around Florida. In Melbourne, Fla., he enjoyed working with his mother and two brothers, Tony and Jimmy, at a wonderful family-owned auto dealership.

After his divorce, Andy moved to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, to be with his mother and stepdad, Andrea and Charles Mayzes, as well as his brother, Jimmy Pappas, and his wife, Nancy. For about eight years, Andy worked at his favorite dealership, Dave Smith Motors. Andy absolutely loved his job there, as well as the wonderful people he worked with. There are just too many dear friends that he made there to mention them all. I am so sincerely thankful for the love from all of those special people at Dave Smith Motors for my big brother Andy. Andy just recently retired from Dave Smith Motors due to health issues. Andy worked very hard all of his life, and did not get along very well with retirement. Andy missed his job and the dear friends he made at the dealership.

Andy enjoyed watching his favorite T.V. show, Hogan's Heroes. He loved his little doggy "Misty," and she was his precious "Baby Girl" for all the years he lived here. I, (her uncle Jimmy, and aunt Nancy) will take good care of her for Andy. Of course, Andy was an awesome chef, and this past Thanksgiving he made us the best sweet potatoes we have ever had. I simply cannot put into words how much I will miss my big brother, Andy. He was always there for me, no matter what.

Andy is survived by his stepfather for 40 years, Charles Mayzes; his ex-wife, Evelyn; his son, Andrew, his wife, Kristin and four children: Kinley Mae Pappas, Alexander James Pappas, Andrew Thomas Pappas III, and Kaitlynn Yancey; daughter, Michelle Wrable, her husband, Ron and their daughter, Abigail Wrable; two younger brothers, Jim (wife, Nancy), and Tony (wife, Debbie). He also leaves behind three nephews; Tony Pappas Jr., Ben and Chris Aleck of Coeur d’Alene. He was preceded in death by our mother, Andrea Mayzes, whom he was very close to his entire life. Andy will be forever loved, and dearly missed.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, Dec. 5, 2022, at Yates Funeral Home – Coeur d’Alene Chapel, (744 N. 4th St.). A viewing will be held for Andy on Monday, Dec. 5, 2022, from 9:30-11:00 a.m., at the Yates Funeral Home – Coeur d’Alene Chapel. A graveside committal will follow at Riverview Cemetery, 1065 N. Lincoln Way, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 83814.

Please visit Andy’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com