Nick Papadea, 81, broker was a Brookgreen volunteer
October 26, 2023
A. Nicholas Papadea of Columbia died Oct. 15. He was 81.
Known as Nick, he was born in Columbia, a son of Nicholas Apostolos Papadea and Marina Capilos Papadea. He graduated from Dreher High School and the Georgia Institute of Technology with a bachelor’s degree in textiles. At Georgia Tech, he was a member of the NROTC, the National Society of Scabbard and Blade and the Sigma Chi fraternity.
After graduation, he was commissioned as an officer in the Navy and stationed in San Diego with his new wife, Mary. He served as a supply officer on the USS Sumner County during the Vietnam War.
After his service, he returned home and continued his education at the University of South Carolina, earning a MBA. His first job was with Robinson Humphrey in Columbia, and he continued to work as a stock broker until his death.
Mr. Papadea was a member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Columbia and St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in Myrtle Beach.
He was a passionate volunteer who gave his time to numerous organizations including the Red Cross and Brookgreen Gardens. He loved animals, especially golden retrievers, and could often be found walking in the neighborhood or playing on the beach with one of his beloved dogs.
“Big Nick,” as he was affectionately known, was remembered as a character with a big personality. Everyone who met him undoubtedly has a funny story to tell. He was quick with a smile and a loud greeting, and he was always eager to give a high five.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary Lynn Papadea; his son, Dr. Nicholas A. Papadea (Meredith), and grandchildren, Ella Marina Nicholas Papadea and Apostolos Nicholas Papadea, of Murrells Inlet; his sister, Dr. Christine Papadea of Murrells Inlet; his brother, Jim Papadea of Columbia; his nephew, Dr. N. Jim Papadea (Maggie) of Columbia; his niece, Kate Papadea of Columbia; and his sister-in-law, Claudia Swygert (JB) of West Columbia.
A graveside service will be held at noon today at Fort Jackson National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Emergency Dental Clinic at Helping Hands of Georgetown, 1813 Highmarket St., Georgetown, SC 29440.
Condolences may be sent at dunbarfunerals.com.
