Arthur J. Papa, Sr.

In Loving Memory of Arthur J. Papa Sr. 1938 – 2023 It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of a beloved patriarch, and faithful servant of God, Arthur Joseph Papa Sr. He departed from this world on December 23, 2023, at the age of 85 in his home. Surrounded by the love of his family, he peacefully embarked on his final journey to the Kingdom of Heaven. Arthur’s life was a testament to love, the Catholic faith, and the enduring spirit of family. Arthur was born on Tuesday, September 13, 1938, to parents Emanuel and Ida Papa in Manhattan, New York. He has three brothers Ronald, Gerald, and Mathew. Arthur, also known affectionately as “Artie”, was a truly remarkable man whose life was a testament to the values of love, kindness, faith, and unwavering dedication to those he cared for. He was a devoted husband, a cherished father, a doting grandfather, and a loyal friend. Throughout his 85 years, he touched the lives of countless people around him with his wisdom, warmth, and unwavering support. His very presence was enough to leave a lasting impression on the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His life stood out as a gospel of altruistic service and his memory continues to inspire those who knew him to carry on his legacy of love, faith, and empathy towards others. Arthur's life was defined by sacrifice, commitment, and servitude. His selflessness was evident in his devoted service to his country, exemplified by his distinguished tenure in the United States Army Reserves, where he displayed remarkable bravery and dedication to protecting the cherished freedoms we enjoy today. Artie was a man of many talents and had an exceptional knack for many things, often being selftaught, which he showcased right from his youth. He was a hardworking and determined individual who often took up multiple jobs simultaneously to provide for his family. Eventually, he landed a fulfilling career with Pan American Airlines in Queens, New York, where he exhibited qualities such as a strong work ethic, integrity, and diligence that helped him support his family living in Brooklyn, NY. Artie was a man who always strived to provide the best for his family. In April 1979, he decided to move his family to West Hurley, a small town in upstate New York, Artie and his wife found the perfect place for his family to settle down and start a new life. He wanted to ensure that they were comfortable and happy in their new surroundings and established a beautiful home for them. Despite the distance, Artie continued to work at Pan American Airlines, commuting to Queens for work for seven years until he retired, often working side jobs on weekends. He made this sacrifice to ensure that his family was taken care of and that they had everything they needed. Despite his dedication to his work, Artie's heart belonged to the natural world. He found solace and joy in exploring the beauty of God's creation. He was an avid nature and animal lover who enjoyed exploring the woods, hunting, and fishing. He loved nothing more than sharing his passion with his loved ones and was an inspiration to all who knew him. Artie was a testament to the power of passion and heritage. Whether tending to his property, sharing stories of his past, or simply being a source of comfort to others, he left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him. His Italian heritage was a great source of pride for him, and he loved the language and cuisine so much so that he created his own dialect out of jest which became cherished by his family, affectionately known as “Artie-isms”. His love for his family was truly special and he took immense joy in gathering generations together, creating lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come. On February 3, 1962, Arthur married the love of his life, Marie, and together they forged a partnership built on love, respect, and unwavering devotion. They raised a beautiful family, and Arthur’s legacy as a dedicated husband and loving father will forever be cherished by his children: Christina, Emanuel, Gina, Dawn, Kim, Arthur Jr., Nicholas, and Michael. Arthur was an unwavering force of guidance and love within his family. His devotion and uncompromising support towards his loved ones, from his children and their spouses to his 24 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, was a testament to his wisdom, warmth, and love. His legacy of strength and compassion will continue to inspire and guide his family for generations to come. Arthur's life was guided by his strong faith in God and was a devoted member of the Saint Joseph Novitiate Roman Catholic Church. He found strength and comfort in his spiritual devotion, which was a guiding light in living a virtuous life. His steadfast belief in God was evident in the way he lived and loved his life, and his virtues served as an inspiration to those around him. He remained committed to his religious convictions, which never faltered. Artie's smile and infectious laughter were unforgettable, radiating love and joy that could light up anyone's world. To know Artie was to love him, for he possessed a rare combination of strength and benevolence. Behind his strong exterior lay a heart of compassion and humility, always ready to help those in need. Even though he was reserved and introverted, Artie's volumes of empathy, patience, and love spoke louder than any words he could say. His life was a true inspiration, reminding us that we can be both strong and kind and that a little bit of love can go a long way. As we bid farewell to Arthur Joseph Papa Sr., we find solace in the beautiful legacy he leaves behind. He will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Marie, his children, grandchildren and all those who had the honor of knowing him. His legacy of love, faith, and patriotism will continue to inspire all who were blessed to be touched by his life. A visitation will be held Thursday, December 28, 2023 from 4:00 pm – 6:30 pm at Keyser Funeral and Cremation Service. The Rosary will be said Thursday, December 28, 2023, at 6:30 pm. A Requiem Mass will be held in loving memory of Arthur Joseph Papa Sr. at St. Joseph’s Novitiate on Friday, December 29, 2023, at 11:30 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Congregation of the Daughters of Mary, Mother of Our Savior, https://www.daughtersofmary.net/building/#ways-to-donate in honor of Arthur’s life and legacy. May Arthur Joseph Papa, Sr. rest in eternal peace with the Heavenly Father, surrounded by the love that he so freely gave during his time with us. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Anthony Harris on behalf of the Papa Family