DL Capt. Richard Paul Papera

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

DL Capt. Richard Paul Papera

July 7, 1936 - January 21, 2022

 

Our group has received notice with the passing of Delta Golden Wings member retired Delta pilot Captain Richard Paul Papera, age 85.  Captain Papera joined Delta Air Lines 03-04-1964 and was based Atlanta.  He is survived by his wife Beverly, and by his children and grandchildren.  

To view the obituary and share memories online please visit the funeral home website at

https://www.northsidechapel.com/obituaries/Richard-Papera/

Condolences may be sent to the Papera family at

265 Ranchette Rd., Alpharetta, GA 30004.

Funeral services for Captain Papera will be held January 26^th at

St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 535 Rucker Road, Alpharetta, GA.

Arrangements have been entrusted to NORTHSIDE CHAPEL of Roswell, GA (770) 645-1414.

Thank you,

~ Carol for the PCN 

 

Obituary :   Richard Paul Papera

Richard Paul Papera was the quintessential gentleman who brought a smile to all who knew him. He was a caring husband, father, grandfather and brother who always put others before himself. He passed away peacefully on January 21, 2022 at the age of 85 in Alpharetta, GA. He is survived by his wife Beverly Harris Papera, daughters Sandi Locke and Tracey McDonough, step-children Ashley and Herman Wolff, grandchildren Rileigh, Aidan and Trinity, step-grandchildren Sarah and Reese, and sisters Donna Esparza and Gail Brantner.

Rich was born in Pittsburgh, PA to parents Paul and Ann Papera and had a love for airplanes at a very early age. He fulfilled this dream by becoming a pilot for Delta Airlines, retiring as an international captain after 32 years, and even continuing on with Delta as a simulator instructor after retiring. He flew all over the world including flying troops during the Gulf War. He was also passionate about fitness and never missed a day at the gym.

He has been an active parishioner of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church for over 40 years. A funeral mass will be held there on Wednesday, January 26th at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Thomas Aquinas - 535 Rucker Rd., Alpharetta GA.