Obituary for Peter Pappas

Peter J. Pappas, (Pete) 82, of Berryville Va formerly of Hampton Va, joined his family members in heaven on June 4, 2012. He leaves behind his three girls who he adored and was so proud of. Katarene ( Rene) Pappas-Petty of Fauquier Co. Va, Elizabeth Pappas Longerbeam of Clarke Co Va, and Demetria (Jaime) Pappas of Frederick Co VA, two grandchildren, Sean Michael Ash, Marissa Katreen Petty, and a sister, Francis Packard. A Brother, John H Pappas, and Sisters, Mary Coffinberger and Billie Manion preceded him in death.

He was born August 15, 1929 in Winchester VA, a son of the late James H Pappas and Katherine K Pappas.

He was a graduate of Augusta Military Academy, and a Veteran of the Korean War.

Peter was well known as one of Winchesters most talented drummers. He was a member of Musician Local 770 and it was there that Count Basie got Peter’s name to fill in for him in Pa. At the age of 20 he was becoming well known for his unique style of drum playing. It was then that he was invited to sit in with Gene Krupa in Front Royal Va. Gene was impressed with Peter that he asked him to do a solo that was a big hit with the audience. Gene Krupa later said that “I know one person I have to watch out for now.”

During school, Petre and his brother John Pappas organized a dance band. He also played in the marching band and later became the bands Captain. Peter played with several bands organized on quick notice to play engagements throughout the Winchester area. One local girl, Patsy Cline called upon Peter on many occasions to play drums for her band. Other bands Peter played in were Jack Fretwell and his Orchestra, and the Royal Aires. During his time spent in the War, he played in the USO show with familiar names such as Danny Kaye, Dick Cateno, Eddie Fisher Mel Torme’ and sat in with Stan Kenton.

Pete retired from the Restaurant business in 1992. He worked for his father at the Metropolitan Restaurant, and the FM Lunch. He also ran the Oak Grove Restaurant. He later became the owner of the Piccadilly Restaurant before moving to the Tidewater area where he owned and operated several Restaurants. Before his retirement he was affiliated with his oldest daughters Restaurant, Pappas III in WV.

A memorial service will be held 2:00 PM Saturday at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel with military honors. Interment will be private.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 West Cork Street, Suite 405, Winchester, VA 22601 or Chesapeake Bay Foundation (for preservation of Chesapeake Bay), 6 Herndon Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21403.

Please view obituaries and tribute wall at www.ompsfuneralhome.com.