LATHAM - Gregory Papapetros, 33, passed away unexpectedly at home on Monday, April 22, 2024 following a liver transplant that was necessary to treat a rare genetic condition.
Greg was an avid reader with a passion for history, and his life is best defined by the famous quote, "In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years."
Born May 7, 1990, in Athens, Greece, the son of George Papapetros and Mary Papapetros, Greg and his family immigrated to the U.S. when he was three years old. Greg attended Blue Creek Elementary School and graduated from Shaker High School in 2008. Greg went on to graduate from Capital Region BOCES' HVAC Technician Certification program. Before his passing, Greg was proudly working for Sherwin Williams in Latham and AVI Food Systems at Siena College.
From a young age, Greg possessed an indomitable spirit and an unwavering determination that his family likened to the legendary figures of Greek mythology and history. Among them, the life of King Leonidas of Sparta resonated most with Greg - a figure renowned for his valorous stand against the Persian invasion at the Battle of Thermopylae. King Leonidas famously proclaimed, "What counts is courage." In the face of recent health challenges, Greg demonstrated remarkable bravery and resilience that left healthcare professionals and his loved ones in awe. Greg's enduring optimism and steadfast determination to find the silver lining in every person and situation truly set him apart.
When he was not working or tending to family obligations, Greg loved to read and watch sports. He was a devoted fan of the Giants and Mets, reminding everyone close to him of their triumphant wins in the Super Bowl and World Series. His passion for WWE, cultivated since childhood, was a bond he shared closely with his brother. They attended numerous events together.
However, Greg's heart truly belonged to his family, both near and far. His annual pilgrimage to Greece to visit his father and relatives was a cherished tradition, reaffirming his strong sense of family. Yet, it was the ocean's embrace where Greg found solace, spending countless hours swimming.
Despite grappling with mental health challenges, Greg courageously advocated for others facing similar struggles. He extended a compassionate hand to those in need, whether in group meetings or one-on-one support, embodying resilience and empathy.
In recent years, Greg fell in love with Shannon Egloff of Altamont as they spent time together over dinner, at the movies, at Comic Con, and sharing their affinity for Harry Potter stories.
An animal lover, Greg spent a great deal of time caring for the cats and dogs his family adopted and took in. Among those were Mr. Screech, a black-and-white tuxedo cat, and his precious Ms. Valentine, a Jack Russell Terrier Mix. Greg would spoil Ms. Valentine with new toys and treats and bring her over to see her "bestie" Mona and neighbor Andrea. True to his character, Greg is fondly remembered by his neighbors for his warm smile, hand wave, and stops to talk sports and see if they needed any help.
Greg is survived by his parents, siblings: sister, Georgia Papapetros and brother, Demitrios "Jamie" Papapetros, and best friends. On the maternal side, Greg is survived by his aunts, Peggy Wells-O'Keeffe of Poughkeepsie, Kathy Buff of Guilderland, Ann Wells of Phoenix, Arizona, Ann Q. of Boston, Massachusetts, and numerous cousins. On the paternal side, Greg is survived by his uncle, Tino Papapetros, aunt, Kiki Papapetros, and many cousins.
Greg was predeceased by his grandparents and uncle, Petro Papapetros.
The family wishes to thank all of those who provided help and support over the years.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Thursday, May 2, 2024, from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 181 Troy Schenectady Road, Watervliet, NY 12189.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, Attn: Donations, 3 Oakland Avenue, Menands, NY 12204. Please also consider becoming an organ donor. For more information, visit New York's https://donatelifenys.org.
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