Andrew "Andy" Charles Papageorge

Andrew “Andy” Charles Papageorge, 66, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, passed away on September 6, 2023. Andy had felt unwell and fatigued for a few months before a diagnosis of metastatic urothelial stage IV cancer was revealed only 9 days before his death. He died peacefully in his sleep surrounded by love from both of his daughters and his brother.

Andy leaves behind 2 daughters, Lisa Barrangou and Jessica Papageorge, 1 brother and sister in-law, James and Donna Papageorge, 1 sister, Mary Papageorge, as well as 3 grandchildren, 2 nephews, 1 grand nephew and 1 grand niece. He is predeceased by one sister, Sandra Papageorge, one brother, Michael Papageorge, and beloved wife Nancy Papageorge.

Andy was born in 1957 to Vasilios and Rosalie Papageorge in West Point, New York. He was raised with his four siblings, Sandra, James, Mary and Michael. Andy attended Long Beach High School in Lido Beach, NY before enrolling at a local college and then entering the US Navy. Andy took a gamble (one of many in his life) and jumped at the opportunity to become an air traffic controller in 1981 after President Reagan fired more than 11,000 air traffic controllers who called a strike and walked off the job. Andy guided pilots and directed aircraft in skies all over the world, including Washington DC, California, Oklahoma, Iraq, Afghanistan and Ascension Island. Andy expanded his social network and community of friends through a prolific twenty-year side career as a realtor. Outside of work he enjoyed socializing with friends, particularly on the golf course. In his later years he took the opportunity to travel the world, including Central America, South Africa, Western Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

As far as love life was concerned, Andy had a thing for damsels in distress, which often ended with him in a state of distress. Nevertheless, he persisted in his pursuit of companionship. He had many loves come in and out of his life, but his two daughters, Lisa and Jessica, are the ones that stood the test of time. He was generous, boisterous, gregarious, and he was a good and true friend. He had a zest for life and a heart of gold. He lived life to the fullest, and for better or worse, he lived it his way.

In his final moments with family he expressed knowing that he had lived an adventurous and full life, he had loved and knew he was well loved by friends and family near and far, and he had no regrets. His proudest successes were his daughters. Some of his final words were, “That’s enough, girls. Next stop.” Andy will be remembered for all the good in his heart and joy in his spirit. He’s been cleared for take off and he now has his own wings.

Andy’s final resting place will be at Arlington National Cemetery, with a date to be determined at a later time. In lieu of sending flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society in his memory.

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