Peter C. Pappas, 77, of Sarasota, Florida passed away on February 2, 2025. Peter was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts in 1947. Peter and his family have lived in the Sarasota/Bradenton area since 1986.
After completing his civil engineering degree at UMASS-Dartmouth, Peter embarked on an engineering career that would take him around the world and see him lead some of the world’s biggest and most complex construction projects. Peter spent much of his life living and working in the Middle East and Latin America with stops in Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Brazil, Indonesia, Peru and Qatar. He built multi-billion dollar airports in Riyadh, Doha and Lima and highways, bridges and power plants. Peter retired as a Principle Vice President from Bechtel Corp and spent many years consulting and problem solving for Forcon when he wasn’t working overseas.
Peter was passionate about motor sports. He raced cars competitively as a young man in New England. He was a Ferrari fan and owner who enjoyed spending time with the local owners club. He loved to watch F1 races. Peter was also an avid boater and fisherman. He could often be found out on his boat in Sarasota Bay fishing for redfish, trout or snook.
Peter was active in the Greek Orthodox Church. He enjoyed volunteering his time to support the community.
Most importantly, Peter was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. He valued family, hard work, education, and responsibility. He lead his family on adventures across six continents and instilled in his children curiosity and an openness to new ideas and cultures. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and with his three daughters-in-law.
Peter is survived by his wife Kathryn, his high school sweetheart to whom he was married for 55 years, three sons, Benjamin, Christopher and Daniel and 6 grandchildren: Matthew, Daniel, Jacob, Sophia, Caley and Riley.
I remember Peter from Normandin Jr. High and NBHS Class of 1965. He always had a smile and he was a friend to all who knew him. He had an amazing career and life, Rest in Peace Peter.
I am very sorry to hear of Peter's passing. Kathy my most sincere condolences. A remarkable life story and a sweet long marriage. He will always be with you in so many wonderful ways.
Peter was a good friend. I knew him starting with our days at Normandin. While we both went our separate ways for many years, we reconnected several years ago in Florida. My wife and I visited with Peter and Kathryn both in Sarasota and Ft Myers. Some friends are long lasting, and absence and separation do not erode the ties of true friendship. Peter was that type of friend for me. He was certainly accomplished professionally, but also exceedingly accomplished as a husband, father, and grandfather. Peter led a life worth living. May you rest in peace old friend, and thank you for being part of my life.
I was shocked and saddened by this awful news. Pete and I were friends, classmates, and teammates for over 65 years. We stayed in touch and when he and Kathy were home in NB for family visits we would connect and get together as we did just a few months ago. Peter's life was intriguing and it took him all over the world. After NBHS we both graduated from SMTI, SMU, UMass Dartmouth...but our North End roots from the early Sixties were the glue that kept us friends—my deepest condolences to Kathy and their sons. Peter's legacy will be carried on by the family of which he was so proud. May Peter find Eternal Peace in the arms of the Lord. I will miss him, but the rich childhood memories that we lived and shared will always keep him in my heart, mind, and prayers. God Bless Peter Pappas. You will be sorely missed, but always loved by those who were fortunate enough to know and love you. Rest in peace, old friend. ♥♥♥♥♥
Ray Ferreira
I remember Peter from Normandin Jr. High and NBHS Class of 1965. He always had a smile and he was a friend to all who knew him. He had an amazing career and life, Rest in Peace Peter.
Robert Feingold
I am very sorry to hear of Peter's passing. Kathy my most sincere condolences. A remarkable life story and a sweet long marriage. He will always be with you in so many wonderful ways.
Joseph Augustyn
Peter was a good friend. I knew him starting with our days at Normandin. While we both went our separate ways for many years, we reconnected several years ago in Florida. My wife and I visited with Peter and Kathryn both in Sarasota and Ft Myers. Some friends are long lasting, and absence and separation do not erode the ties of true friendship. Peter was that type of friend for me. He was certainly accomplished professionally, but also exceedingly accomplished as a husband, father, and grandfather. Peter led a life worth living. May you rest in peace old friend, and thank you for being part of my life.
James Casey
I was shocked and saddened by this awful news. Pete and I were friends, classmates, and teammates for over 65 years. We stayed in touch and when he and Kathy were home in NB for family visits we would connect and get together as we did just a few months ago. Peter's life was intriguing and it took him all over the world. After NBHS we both graduated from SMTI, SMU, UMass Dartmouth...but our North End roots from the early Sixties were the glue that kept us friends—my deepest condolences to Kathy and their sons. Peter's legacy will be carried on by the family of which he was so proud. May Peter find Eternal Peace in the arms of the Lord. I will miss him, but the rich childhood memories that we lived and shared will always keep him in my heart, mind, and prayers. God Bless Peter Pappas. You will be sorely missed, but always loved by those who were fortunate enough to know and love you. Rest in peace, old friend. ♥♥♥♥♥
