Theodore T. Papas Sr., 90, of Niles passed away Tuesday December 29, 2010 while visiting his daughter in Texas.

He was born April 16, 1920 in Niles the son of Theodore and Nancy Cafarilla Papas.

Ted was employed as a craneman at LTV Republic Steel in Niles for 43 years before retiring in 1982, a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Niles where he attended daily mass and volunteered for the church festival. He was also a member of The Disabled Veterans of America, AARP, Local Steel Union 1375 in Warren, and The Niles Frontliners.

Ted enjoyed gardening, an avid sports fan, following The Niles Red Dragons, The Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Indians. He was a veteran of The United States Army where he recieved the Purple Heart during Wolrd War II

His wife Viola Guarnieri Papas whom he married September 22, 1941 died February 26, 1998.

Ted, who was known as a generous caregiver for his family, will be deeply missed by a son Ted Papas Jr. and his wife Fran of Niles, a daughter Sandra Bianco and her husband Dr. Joseph of Duncansville, Texas, five grandchildren, Ted and his wife Sonia, Michelle and her husband Mike, Melissa and her husband Robert, Alexis and her husband Justin, Jennifer and her husband John, and nine great-grandchildren, Ryan, Ashley, Eric, Anna, Matthew, Joey, Aidan, Colin, and Ethan.

Besides his wife, he is preceded in death by his mother Nancy Papas Marzano, step-father, Joseph Marzano, who helped raise him, four brothers, Anthony Papas, Pete Papas Sr., Louis Marzano, and Alex Marzano, and a sister Carmella Sidoti.

Friends may call from 4 to 6PM Sunday at The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles where the Mt. Carmel Bereavement Ministry will conduct prayers at 5:30PM.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 9:30AM Monday at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, with Fr. Larry Frient officiating, preceded by a 9AM prayer service at the funeral home.

Burial will be in St. Stephen Cemetery.

Material Contributions can be made to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Niles, 381 Robbins Ave, Niles, Ohio 44446.

Family and friends can view this obituary, sign the guestbook, and send e-mail condolences at www.josephrossifuneralhom