Bill Text: MI SCR0016 | 2025-2026 | 103rd Legislature | Engrossed
Bill Title: A concurrent resolution of tribute offered as a memorial for John Pappageorge, former member of the Michigan Senate and Michigan House of Representatives.
Sponsorship: Broadly Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2026-10-14 - Entire Membership Of The Senate And Lieutenant Governor Named Co-sponsors [SCR0016 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2025-SCR0016-Engrossed.html
SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 16
Senators Brinks and Nesbitt offered the following concurrent resolution:
A concurrent resolution of tribute offered as a memorial for John Pappageorge, former member of the Michigan Senate and Michigan House of Representatives.
Whereas, It was with great sorrow that the members of the Legislature learned about the passing of John Pappageorge. He will be remembered as a dedicated public servant by his constituents in the Detroit area and the people of our great state; and
Whereas, Born July 19, 1931, and raised in Detroit, John Pappageorge entered military service shortly after graduating from high school. He received an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering in 1954. John Pappageorge continued his education at the University of Maryland, where he obtained a master’s degree in government and politics in 1971, and attended the United States Army War College in 1973; and
Whereas, During his time in the United States Army, John Pappageorge served as a member of the Secretary of State’s Policy Planning Council and as the Special Assistant to General Alexander Haig, who at the time was with the United States European Command. He also conducted shuttle diplomacy between Greece and Turkey, which resulted in Greek forces returning to NATO’s integrated military structure. John Pappageorge’s 30 years of active military service, which included two tours in Vietnam, were nothing short of distinguished. He received the Distinguished Service Medal, the Superior Service Medal, four Legions of Merit, the Bronze Star, nine Air Medals, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross. John Pappageorge retired from the United States Army as a Colonel, and was Airborne, Ranger, and Pathfinder qualified; and
Whereas, After retiring from the military, John Pappageorge served as the director of business and strategic planning at General Dynamics Land Systems Division. However, it was in 1989 that he began his political career, serving on the Oakland County Board of Commissioners until 1992; and
Whereas, In 1999, John Pappageorge joined the Michigan House of Representatives to represent the Forty-first District. While in the House, John Pappageorge served as the vice chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State Police and Military Affairs, and as the chair of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules and the House Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government. He was a member of the House committees on Employment Relations, Training and Safety; Judiciary; Senior Health, Security and Retirement; and Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security. John Pappageorge also served as a member of the House Appropriations subcommittees on Judiciary, Transportation, and Joint Capital Outlay; and
Whereas, In 2007, John Pappageorge came back to Lansing after winning a competitive race to represent the Thirteenth District in the Michigan Senate. While in the Senate, he served as the chair of the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules and the Senate Appropriations subcommittees on General Government and Transportation. John Pappageorge was the vice chair of the Senate committees on Appropriations; Senior Citizens and Veterans Affairs; Veterans, Military Affairs and Homeland Security; and Infrastructure Modernization, as well as the Senate Appropriations subcommittees on Department of Community Health and State Police and Military Affairs. He also served as a member of the Senate committees on Homeland Security and Emerging Technologies, and Finance, as well as the Senate Appropriations subcommittees on Joint Capital Outlay; Federal Stimulus Oversight; and K-12, School Aid, and Education. John Pappageorge was also a member of the Senate Fiscal Agency Board of Governors and the Task Force on Transportation Infrastructure; and
Whereas, While in Lansing, John Pappageorge was not afraid to make his voice heard and to stand up for the issues he believed would make the lives of everyday Michiganders better. These issues included government efficiency and road funding. John Pappageorge was also an early proponent of a new term-limit system for Michigan legislators, advocating for a combined system like the one we have now. In 2014, John Pappageorge was presented with the Distinguished Service Medal, recognizing his military and legislative service to the country and the state of Michigan; and
Whereas, John Pappageorge is remembered fondly by many for his deep sense of integrity and loyalty, as well as his ability to always remain calm and level-headed. He was a true statesman and patriot who was honored to serve others. He is survived by his wife of nearly 29 years, Dianne; son, George; daughters, Christina and Melissa; one grandson; and three granddaughters. John Pappageorge was preceded in death by his first wife of 35 years, Helen; and
Whereas, Upon John Pappageorge’s passing, we offer our condolences to his loved ones. His contributions to these chambers and the state of Michigan will be remembered; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That we offer this expression of our highest tribute to honor the memory of John Pappageorge, a member of Michigan’s House of Representatives from 1999 to 2004, and the Michigan Senate from 2007 to 2014; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Pappageorge family as evidence of our lasting esteem for his memory.
