Socrates Papalias

Socrates Papalias passed away peacefully in his home on June 26, 2023 at the age of 95 after fighting cancer for the past year. Socrates was born on September 7, 1927 in Hanford, California to Chris and Fannie Papalias. He was the youngest brother of George (deceased), Thike (deceased), Lucy(deceased), and Connie. He was married to the love of his life, Soula, for 58 years and a loving father to his son Chris and his wife Patty and loving grandfather (papou) to Adam, Dino, and Athena. He was the favorite Uncle to his many nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces. He was also a best friend to many. Socrates grew up in Lodi, California where he enjoyed growing up in a small town. His older brothers always watched out for him and kept him out of trouble. As a teenager he worked summer jobs picking fruit and working in a local print shop. Socrates lived up to his name and was very scholarly and enjoyed learning new things, especially Science. He studied German in high school. During WWII Socrates enlisted in the U.S. Marines following in the footsteps of his brothers. He was stationed at Quantico, Virginia at a military printshop for classified documents where he was able to use his expierence. Disappointed he did not get to go overseas like his brothers, he re-enlisted during the Korean War with his brothers. Although they were not stationed together, Socrates found ways to surprise his brothers with unexpected visits in Korea. Socrates worked at United Airlines for most of his career working on radios and instruments, and later as a test engineer writing computer programs to test equipment for the planes.
Socrates enjoyed reading about and learning the latest and greatest new thing in the tech world, and was always getting the latest new tech toy from cameras to computers. Within the last month of his life he started learning to use ChatGPT, excited and intrigued about the advancement in computer artificial intelligence. Socrates also enjoyed music, especially musicals. His favorite singer was Ella Fitzgerald. Socrates was always happy and would often sing or whistle while working around the house. Socrates will dearly be missed.

Funeral Services will be held at Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church
9165 Peets Street Elk Grove, California 95758
 Monday, July 3rd at 11:00am.

Makaria Luncheon immediately following services.