Robert C. Pappas, 75; owned Va. company

Robert C. Pappas, 75, of Radford, Va., owner of a Bellmawr firm that he moved to Virginia in 1992, died of cancer on Friday, Aug. 15, at home.

Born in Bridgeview, Ill., Mr. Pappas graduated from Argo Community High School in Summit, Ill., and served as a paratrooper in the 101st Army Airborne Division from 1958 to 1961, for a time in Korea, a daughter, Eve Pappas, said in a phone interview.

Mr. Pappas earned a bachelor's degree in business and finance in night classes at Northwestern University while working for Intercraft Industries Corp. in Chicago.

The firm manufactured picture frames, his daughter said, and by the time he left it, he was the plant manager.

Mr. Pappas moved to Cherry Hill in 1975 and became vice president of operations for P.A. Plymouth Inc., in Bellmawr.

The firm manufactured school supplies, such as notebooks and binders, his daughter said.

In 1979, Mr. Pappas became president, and in 1988 he and partners bought the firm from American Greetings Corp., she said.

After moving the firm to Radford, Va., in 1991, he sold the firm to corporate investors and retired in 2002. He was a member of the Blacksburg Country Club and the Radford Rotary Club.

Besides daughter Eve, Mr. Pappas is survived by sons Richard and Robert M., daughter Toni Hall, five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

A visitation was scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23 at DeVilbiss Funeral Home, 1200 Grove Ave., Radford, Va., before a 9 p.m. memorial service.

Donations may be sent to the Jennifer Fund, 2081 Plank Dr., Blacksburg, Va. 24060.

Condolences may be offered to the family at http://devilbissfuneralhome.com.