Manuel L. Papista, Class of 1952
[Published in Grosse Pointe News, January 2010]
Manuel L. Papista
Died: Saturday, January 23, 2010
Age: 79
Manuel “Mike” Louis Papista, 79, died Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010.
He was born Dec. 8, 1930, in Detroit to Gust and Anthy Papista who emigrated from Greece. The couple owned Papa Gus’s tavern in Hamtramck where the entire family worked. Mr. Papista often commented that he learned a great deal about people from working at the tavern. A union lawyer who frequented the family tavern inspired Mr. Papista as a child to become a lawyer.
Mr. Papista graduated from Southeastern High School in Detroit where he played varsity football, basketball, track and baseball. He also competed in summer sandlot ball and loved playing in Tiger Stadium. He was valedictorian and class president his senior year.
Mr. Papista attended the University of Michigan where he earned a baseball scholarship and also played football. He graduated in 1951 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history.
He completed his first year at the University of Michigan Law School, then postponed his studies to serve in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict as an information and education sergeant at Fort Knox, Ky.
After completing military service, Mr. Papista returned to the Detroit area and began teaching U.S. history at South Lake High School in St. Clair Shores while studying nights at the Detroit College of Law. He earned his law degree in 1958.
Shortly after becoming an attorney, Mr. Papista formed the law firm, Lipton, Papista, & Garfinkle, P.C. in downtown Detroit. His practice focused on business, real estate and probate and estate law.
Mr. Papista met his wife, Louise, an elementary school teacher, through mutual friends. They married in 1961 and completed their master’s degrees in education together at Wayne State University.
As a young lawyer, Mr. Papista was active in Democratic politics and was a lifetime member of the Hellenic Bar Association.
He was dedicated to Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Saint Clair Shores. For more than 48 years, he served on the church council. He was recognized by Archbishop Spyridon with the Medal of St. Paul for his commitment and service to the church. In 2008, Mr. Papista received the Hellenic Heritage Award honoring his longtime service to the Greek community.
Mr. Papista enjoyed sports, travel and theater, especially Shakespeare’s plays. The family spent many memorable summer days at the family cottage in Lexington. His family said he loved, encouraged, and inspired family and friends and will be remembered for his caring and compassion for others.
Mr. Papista is survived by his wife, Louise; his daughter, Anthy; son, Costa; daughter-in-law, Lisa, and granddaughter, Eva. He also is survived by his sister, Theano Johnson; brother-in-law, George Johnson, and sister, Alexandria Mallos.
Donations in his memory may be made to The Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 21800 Marter Road, St. Clair Shores, MI 48080.