Title
To Honor, Recognize, and Celebrate the Life of Athanasios “Tommy Pappas” Panagiotopoulos
Body
WHEREAS, Athanasios “Tommy Pappas” Panagiotopoulos, a beloved and esteemed member of the Columbus community, opened Tommy's Diner in 1989, helping to pave the way for the revitalization of one of Columbus’ key corridors; and
WHEREAS, Tommy Pappas, together with his cherished wife, Kathy, and later joined by their sons, Michael and Louie, through their warmth and compassion for their neighbors created a welcoming environment where everyone feels like family; and
WHEREAS, Tommy Pappas was a visionary who recognized the potential of Franklinton when few others did, and through his determination and unwavering belief in the neighborhood’s promise, became a driving force behind its growth and renewal; and
WHEREAS, Tommy Pappas, a proud immigrant from Greece, embraced his heritage and shared it with the wider Columbus community as a longtime Chair of the Columbus Greek Festival, elevating the celebration of cultural diversity and enriching the city’s appreciation of Greek heritage; and
WHEREAS, Tommy Pappas embodied extraordinary generosity and selflessness, consistently giving back to his community through steadfast support for neighborhood organizations, the local Greek church, and his countless acts of kindness that left an indelible mark on the lives of those around him; and
WHEREAS, through his dedication, compassion, and leadership, Tommy Pappas leaves behind a profound legacy of love for community, commitment to family, and hope for a brighter future for Franklinton, Columbus, and beyond; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That we hereby recognize, celebrate, and honor the life, contributions, and enduring legacy of Athanasios “Tommy Pappas” Panagiotopoulos; and
That we extend our deepest gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to Tommy Pappas and his family, for their lasting impact on the Franklinton neighborhood and the gr...
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