Nicholas Pappas ’57 PhD

Nicholas Pappas ’57 PhD, of Wilmington, Del.; July 6. He began his career at the DuPont Company as a research chemist at the Experimental Station Laboratory in Wilmington. After a series of management positions in research and development, industrial sales, market development, and corporate planning, he was named vice president and general manager of the DuPont fabrics and finishes department in 1978. He transferred to the polymer products department as vice president in 1983, leading a period of expansive growth for this business. He served as chairman of the Executive Board of the Council for Solid Waste Solutions and was instrumental in DuPont polymer products taking a leadership role in plastics recycling and environmental protection. In 1988, he was promoted and appointed to the DuPont executive committee, where he served until his retirement in 1990. He served as chairman of the United Way of Delaware Campaign and Board of Directors 1985-86. He served on numerous Delaware boards and was committed to advancing the cause of workplace diversity as the chairman of the DuPont Affirmative Action Committee. After his retirement from DuPont, he was appointed president and COO of Rollins Environmental Services from 1991-96. He also served on numerous boards of directors related to industrial materials, including ChemFab Corporation, Witco Corporation, Nova Chemicals, and EnviroKare LRM Industries. He was a member of the Greek Orthodox Church and served on parish council boards for church communities in Wilmington. He is survived by his wife Dorothy; four children and their spouses; nine grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter.