Mittiadis Milton Papas

Mittiadis (Milton) Papas 82. Passed away on February 8th, after an extended hospital stay and an extraordinary courageous fight. He was a faithful member of St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church. He was born in the former Constantinople Turkey, to the late Athina (Gatzonis) and Vasili Papas. After the death of his father, he left grade school to help his mother run her inherited coffee shop. He also worked as a mechanic apprentice where he quickly learned the trade and became proficient and well compensated for his young age to enjoy the many wonders that this beautiful cosmopolitan city had to offer. Unfortunately, the political climate in Turkey changed and he along with his mother and big brother Yanni, had to seek refuge in Brussels Belgium. Milton had just turned 17. He was blessed with a sharp mind that learned and adapted quickly. There he became fluent in the French and the culture. He met and became friends with many other Greek refugees. He navigated the city and country with ease, with his Saturday nights heading to Antwerp (Anvers)to hang out at the Bouzoukia. A few years in, they were settled and progressed in this new country. The family household grew as his brother married Alexandra Fotiou and they welcomed the birth of his niece Athina and nephew Basile.

The family relocated to Albany, NY in 1967 where they were welcomed by the Fotiou family. Without wasting a day, Milton opened the telephone book's yellow pages, looked for auto repair shops, spotted a familiar name and he and his brother went to apply for work. They were immediately hired! Once again, Milton had to learn a new language, which he picked up quickly. He then moved on to the reputable foreign car dealership, Kay's Auto. There he was their top mechanic, any problems others couldn't fix, Milton would fix it. Milton was always an independent spirit and wanted to start his own business. Along with his brother Yanni, they opened up a Mobil gas station in Albany and then went on to start Papas Foreign Car Service in Albany, on Central Avenue. When their lease ran out, they moved their business to Delmar. Their reputation grew in the community and car fanatics didn't want anyone else but Milton to work on their car.

Milton was a dreamer at heart. He wanted to create a great restaurant. He partnered up with Yanni and brother-in-law, Foti Fotiou and they opened Mykonos, a Greek restaurant and bar featuring live Greek music and belly dancers. It was an instant success! However, a few years in, after a family illness, they decided to lease the business. The Papas brothers relocated their auto shop to Albany. After a few years, Milton moved on to start Papas Auto Sales where he dealt in late model used cars and boats. He then moved on to establish Uncle Milty's Glenmont Diner. With his partners, he turned this runned down piece of Americana into a delightful popular diner and a hot spot in the community. He was blessed with wonderful loyal staff and customers.

He looked forward to his retirement to enjoy time with the love of his life and life partner, Frederica Fotiou. Together they had happy times at home, traveling, boating and spending time with friends and family. He was a long-time member of the Albany Yacht club where he enjoyed great comradery and happy times and parties on his cabin cruiser," Funship." Sadly, not long into retirement in 2016, he lost his love, Frederica. His health and wellbeing declined thereafter.

Milton will be remembered for being the highlight in his family, his wit and charismatic demeaner that drew people near him. He loved his niece Athina and nephews Basile and George spending time with them, spoiling them and seeing them grow up as he was like a second father to them. He was a man of few words but always honest and to the point. He had a sharp mind, great sense of humor and never engaged in nonsense. He was reserved, a straight shooter and never spoke words that he would want to take back or hurt anyone. He was well known for his generous heart and free spirit. He had many talents and skills that came to him naturally, he had the Midas touch. Not only was he mechanically proficient, but he was also adept in carpentry, plumbing, electrical, an amazing cook and much more. It probably all stems from his attentive observations. Always confident, fearless and a risk taker but never arrogant.

Milton is predeceased by his loving partner of nearly fifty years, Frederica Fotiou, His brother Yanni Papas, his sister-in-law Alexandra Papas and his sister Elisavet and nephew Mihali of Greece. He is survived by his niece Athina Sgambati (Sam) of NC, nephew Basile (Colleen)of Castleton, nephew George of Castleton, niece Mariann Gregory (the late John) of NC and all the nieces, nephews, and cousins here and in Greece. He is also survived by his beloved brother-in-law Foti Fotiou (Theresa)of NC, sister-in-law and companion Fifi Fotiou of Delmar and sister-in-law Helen Anastasio (Joe) of Albany and their offsprings.

May his memory be eternal, and his soul be fulfilled, joyous and free in Paradise with Christ.

Funeral services will be held on Friday February 16, 2024 at 11 am in St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church. Relatives and friends are invited to visit prior to the service from 9:30 - 11:00am. A burial will follow the service in Graceland Cemetery. The family kindly asks that in lieu of flowers, remembrance be made to St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church or to International Orthodox Christian Charities.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home, 490 Delaware Avenue, Albany, NY 12209. Online condolences may be made at www.danielkeenanfuneralhome.com.