LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Michael Webber on Wednesday memorialized the late Sen. John Pappageorge during Senate session with members of Pappageorge’s family in attendance.

“John Pappageorge was one of a kind. John dedicated most of his life to service; first for his country and then for his community at the local and state levels,” said Webber, R-Rochester Hills. “As a young staff person in the House working for then-Rep. Knollenberg, who also represented Troy, I had the chance to interact with Sen. Pappageorge. He was a statesman who was well respected by his colleagues and wanted the best for our region and state.

“John was a leader who never accepted the status quo. He had a wonderful sense of humor, a relentless positive outlook and a unique ability to stay calm and level-headed even in the most stressful situations.”

Pappageorge died in June in Texas at the age of 94. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and a master’s degree in government and politics from the University of Maryland and later graduated from the U.S. Army War College. He served in the Army for 30 years, including two combat tours in Vietnam, retiring as a colonel and receiving numerous decorations, including the Distinguished Service Medal and Bronze Star.

After his retirement from the Army, Pappageorge settled in Troy and worked for General Dynamics Land Systems. He was elected to the Oakland County Board of Commissioners in 1988 and then served three terms in the Michigan House of Representatives starting in 1999 and two terms in the Michigan Senate starting in 2007.

“John was always willing to help others and had a huge drive to improve people’s lives,” Webber said. “His dedication to the people of Michigan is greatly appreciated, and he will never be forgotten by anyone who knew him.”

Webber spoke during consideration of Senate Concurrent Resolution 16, a memorial resolution honoring Pappageorge.

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