Condolence: Hello,

I was thinking about my time in 1969 at Children's Hospital, Boston, MA I lived in Natick, MA then and was about 16/17 when Dr. Pappas was my doctor, treating my scoliosis. That was many years ago. He had a plaster cast put all around my upper body, chin to just above my hips while a Milwaukee brace, the treatment at the time, was made for me. I have never forgotten and today while I was at PT for my neck the subject of my back, still a problem, came up and I thought of Dr. Pappas. I am sorry to learn of his passing 4 yrs. ago. My heartfelt sympathy to his family.

Condolence: As a child with a severe orthopedic challenge Dr Pappas was certainly important in the lives of myself, by parents and family - I owe the fact that I can walk to him. I pray that I'll make a difference in the world that will honor his work and life.

-Brian Liston

Condolence: Dear Martha and family,

I was so sorry to hear about the passing of Dr. Pappas. Dr. Pappas was my orthopedist in the 70's and 80's because I had a club foot. Other doctors had to told my parents I would never walk. He believed otherwise. He operated on me in December 1979 and I continued to see him every year until I was in my early 20's. Because of him, I was able to participate in activities like everyone else. He was always amazed by how many I could do. Dr. Pappas is my hero. He is the reason I can walk today and why 2 days ago, I ran the Boston Marathon. All because of him.

I sent a letter to him a few months ago telling him I was running the Boston Marathon. I hope he got to hear my letter and know how much I am thankful for the gift of having him take care of me. Perhaps, he was watching over me yesterday as I ran and was able to cross that finish line.

Alison Fine Berks
Natick, Massachusetts

Condolence: I wish to extend my sincerest condolences to the Pappas family, friends and every patient fortunate enough to have had Dr. Pappas in their lives.

I am one of the extraordinarily luck children to have been profoundly impacted by Dr. Pappas's care, treatment and above all friendship. After an accident involving a go-cart I was told by local hospital physicians my arm could not be saved and would require amputation. I was refered to Dr. Pappas the next day for a second opinion and was in surgery the following day. Multiple surgeries, several plates, many screws, two additional breaks a few years later and 20 years later my arm is fully functional.

No words can define my eternal gratitude to Dr. Pappas and the impact he has had on me through the years. He called me his "Tiger". I will never forget the bond and friendship we shared over the years.

Condolence: We are all so sad to hear of the passing of Dr. Pappas. He was such a phenomenal doctor and wonderful long time friend and patron of my art.
He improved the quality of our lives personally and physically.
Our hearts are with Martha at this sad time. He will be greatly missed.

Much love,

Jim Markarian and Family

Condolence: We are all so sad to hear of the passing of Dr. Pappas. He was such a phenomenal doctor and wonderful long time friend and patron of my art.
He improved the quality of our lives personally and physically.
Our hearts are with Martha at this sad time. He will be greatly missed.

Much love,

Jim Markarian and Family

Condolence: Dear Mrs. Dr. Pappas & family,
We are so sorry for your loss. May your memories of Mr. Dr.Pappas give you strength and joy.

Your neighbors on the lake,
Patti & Neil Gatto

Condolence: In the early days of the Athletic Trainers of Massachusetts (ATOM), when we weren’t even known as ATOM (the Massachusetts Association of Athletic Trainers)- one of our earliest and strongest allies was Dr. Arthur Pappas- a man of stature and grandeur with a heart of gold.

His passing on March 22nd marks the end of an era. Dr. Pappas was “the man” in the Worcester/Central Mass. area for athletic trainers to turn to, and his commitment to sports medicine care provided him a national reputation. Dr. Michael Collins, Chancellor of UMass Medical Center, was well aware of Dr. Pappas’ reputation: “This was a man who didn’t forget where he came from, and was really a classic giving doctor.”

When the ATOM leadership started on the road to licensure and state recognition, Dr. Pappas open the doors to the UMass Medical School for our conferences, meetings and think tanks. His insight opened doors to state legislators that were initially shut. He worked with ATOM founders Koko Kassabian and Bill Samko to foster communication with the state membership. Dr. Pappas gave us immediate respect!

He admitted and performed the first surgery at UMass Medical Center in 1976, established one of the first sports medicine centers in the region, and held regular rounds while also serving as the Medical Director for the Boston Red Sox from 1978-2004. He was hands on- and accessible!

Through all of his honors and accolades, he was a friend to the athletic trainer. He was named as an Honorary Member of the NATA in 1983, and was the EATA David Moyer Award Winner in 1984.

In 1992, he was bestowed with ATOM’s highest honor, the Koko Kassabian Award, at the opening Ceremonies of the Summer Bay State Games. This was appropriate, as Dr. Pappas was President of the Massachusetts Amateur Sports Foundation, sponsor of the Bay State Games. Dr. Pappas met with the Games’ Medical Coordinator every year prior to the start of the events, checked the roster of working athletic trainers and physicians, and asked about Emergemcy Action Plans before EAPs were popular (circa 1989). I enjoyed my meetings with him…he was the only one who could get away with calling me “Rocky”!

A man of integrity and purpose, his philanthropic endeavors are only overshadowed by his devotion to giving quiet service to the Special Olympics and the Massachusetts Hospital School in Canton. He was one of a kind.

The Athletic Trainers of Massachusetts extends its sympathy and prayers to the Pappas Family, and offers our gratitude for his kindness and caring to the many student-athletes he took care of. (A public celebration of his life and career will be announced…private services have been held.)


Jeff Stone
Past President- ATOM
(Printed as homage to Dr. Pappas on the ATOM website March 29, 2016)

Condolence: We will miss you Arthur. Thank you and Martha both for the
wonderful memories you gave to our family. Our stay at Lake
Webster was immeasurable in terms of the effect it had on our
family and the joy we all shared from that experience. So thank
you again from the bottom of our hearts and may You bring all
of that love you have in that big heart and continue spreading
joy....

Fondly,

Sue, Paul, Jennifer, Tucker, and Allison Campion

Condolence: We will miss you Arthur. Thank you and Martha both for the
wonderful memories you gave to our family. Our stay at Lake
Webster was immeasurable in terms of the effect it had on our
family and the joy we all shared from that experience. So thank
you again from the bottom of our hearts and may You bring all
of that love you have in that big heart and continue spreading
joy....

Fondly,

Sue, Paul, Jennifer, Tucker, and Allison Campion