On November 23, 2025 Mark James Pappas passed away peacefully in his sleep surrounded by the love of his family.  He is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years Harriet Pappas (nee Nichols).  He was pre-deceased by his 6 siblings.  He is survived by his 3 beloved children and their spouses: Zinon, Steve & Lisa, and Tina & Justin, and his 7 cherished grandchildren: Mark P., Haley, JT, Jack, Andrew, Mark W. and Lia, as well as countless loving family members and close friends.

Mark was born in the village of Velvendos in northern Greece on February 10, 1932 to Zinon and Eleni Papazisoglou.  He grew up in war-ravaged Greece and was unable to attend school past the 3rd grade.

Despite this difficult upbringing, Mark always knew he wanted more from life. After completing his military service in Greece from 1952-1955, he immigrated to the United States in 1956 at the age of 24. He was sponsored by his uncle Harry G. Pappas who owned the WB&A bus station building and lunch counter.  After he made his way to Baltimore, he began working at the lunch counter and attending night school to learn English.  By 1961 he became a proud US Citizen.

It was at this lunch counter where he met his soulmate and future wife, Harriet, and they were married on April 28, 1963.  Despite a limited education, Mark was very bright and ambitious, and worked tirelessly to learn the food business.  Eventually he had saved enough money, and together with a partner, Sam Kakavas, bought the Mount Vernon Restaurant in downtown Baltimore at the corner of Charles and Read Streets. During these years, Mark & Harriet had 3 children and bought a house in Homeland.  He loved people and much of his success came from his philosophy of providing quality food at a fair price and treating customers like family.

After 11 years at the Mount Vernon Restaurant, he decided to take the leap when the opportunity arose to venture out on his own and he bought Wargo's Steakhouse in 1972. A few years later he renamed it Pappas Restaurant, and in 1989, he was blessed to have his son Steve join the business. Together, they grew the business and focused their attention on their signature dish, the crab cake.  In 2006, Mark's son-in-law Justin joined the business and the three of them collaborated to expand Pappas Restaurant into the beloved institution it is today.

As successful as Mark was as a businessman, his first passion was his family.  He also had a large circle of friends, as well as extended family, and his generosity was legendary.  He and Harriet were dedicated to their church, the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation.  Their strong faith and commitment to service through the church were a hallmark of their relationship.

Mark was known for his generosity and if any of family, friends, or employees needed help, he was the first one to step up.  He was very proud of the accomplishments and successes of his immediate and extended family.  In his later years, after winding down a long career in the food business, his joy was tending his garden at their beloved home in Lutherville Timonium where he resided for the last 46 years and walking through his neighborhood whether in Lutherville or his winter retreat in Naples, Florida or their Ocean City, Maryland condo where he and Harriet vacationed for 25 happy years. His greatest joy, however, came from his 7 loving grandchildren.

Mark left an indelible legacy of love and he touched so many lives.  His family has been moved by the outpouring of tributes over the past few days. May his memory be eternal.

Friends may call at the Ruck Towson Funeral Home 1050 York Road Towson, Md. 21204 on Sunday, November 30, 2025 from 1-3pm and 5-7pm, where the Trisagion will be held at 6PM. Mr. Pappas will lie in state in St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 2504 Cub Hill Road, Parkville, MD 21234 on Monday, December 1, 2025, from 10:30am until 11AM at which time the funeral service will begin.  The interment will follow at the cemetery of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Capital Campaign (Oli Mazi) at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation, 24 West Preston Street, Baltimore, MD 21201.