Arthur N. Pappa

Arthur “Artie” Pappa, 92, passed away peacefully February 19, 2018 in Las Vegas, NV. He was born in Akron to the late Theodore and Maria (Merlo) and was a proud WW II Army veteran. A member of V.F.W. Firestone Post 3383. He loved music, especially Frank Sinatra and Celine Dion. Hobbies included a lifelong enjoyment of horseracing and more recently a passion for playing video poker. Artie was a professional bowler, he bowled his first sanctioned 300 game in 1950. He spent a year as a Member of the World Champion Stroh's Beer team of Detroit. He became Akron's first full time teaching pro at Eastgate, Northgate and Magic City Lanes. In 1958 he moved to California and was the first Bowling Pro in Ventura County. He also was a charter member of the Pro Bowlers Association. He returned to Akron in the late 1960's. He was inducted into the Summit County Sports Hall of Fame in 1981. Retired from Northfield Racetrack after 20+ years of service. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Angelo, Dominic, Theodore, Joseph and Ernesto, and his sisters Tillie and Carmela. He is survived by nieces Lia of Akron, Toni Lynn and Angie, nephews Philip and Ray all of Las Vegas. Many other extended family and friends throughout the United States and Canada. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, March 6, 2018 from 12 noon – 2 p.m. at the Eckard Baldwin Funeral Home and Chapel, 760 E. Market St. Burial with military honors conducted by the Firestone VFW Post 3383 will follow calling hours at 3 p.m. Rose Hill Burial Park.