Pando Pappas (Popoff), the son of Elia and Dota Pappas (Popovi), was born in the village of Chereshnitsa (Polykerasos). His father migrated to America only weeks before the start  of World War II. In his early teens, Pando was the sole bread provider for the family. He was twelve years of age when he began working the farm.

In December 1946, Pando, his mother Dota, his sister Eleftheria, and his brother John, came to the United States of America to join his father.

Pando went through secondary and higher education in America and graduated from the University of Toledo, Ohio, with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting. While at the University he also earned an officers commission in the United States Army. He served as a captain during the Korean Conflict and remained in the Army Reserve earning the rank of Major.

In 1956, he joined the Lasalle’s Department Store, a Toledo, Ohio, division of R. H. Macy & Co. as manager of their Accounting Department and later as Regional Controller. For the last fifteen years he has been employed by the Transportation Equipment Sales Corporation as Vice-President for Control and Finance. Pando also taught evening classes at the University of Toledo, Ohio, in Accounting and Marketing.

Pando served on the Oregon City Council as Vice-Mayor, President of Council, and Councilman over a span of sixteen years. Prior to being on council he also served on the Oregon City Board of Education.

During the American Bicentennial, President Jimmy Carter appointed him Midwest delegate to the President’s Bicentennial Commission on Ethnic Affairs. President Bill Clinton also appointed him Midwest representative on the President’s Ethnic Heritage Commission. Pando has served on many other boards and commissions, such as, the Oregon Chamber of Commerce, the International Park Advisory Board, International Institute of Greater Toledo, International Festival, St. George Eastern Orthodox Church, and St. Elias Eastern Orthodox Church.

He is the founder of the Bulgarian-Macedonian Cultural Society and its performing folk dance group, Ensemble Kitka, specializing in Macedonian and Bulgarian dances and songs in which he has served in various capacities.

Then

Now

Pando is married to Maria Van Klingeren a Dutch immigrant. They have four children and eleven grandchildren. Their daughter Constance, is a Graphic Designer. She is married to Dr. Steven R. Ross, Vice-President for Clinical Affairs of the University of Tennessee Medical Center. Their daughter Karen, is a Medical Assistant. She is married to James Pappas, a Commercial Realtor. Their son Michael, is an Electrical Engineer. He is married to Barbara Wolfe, a teacher in the City of Oregon School System. And, their son Jeffrey, is a Mechanical Engineer and part owner of a software company. He is married to Jacqueline Peer, a Human Services Administrator.

Maria and Pando

The Pappas (Popoff) family taken in 1947, a few months after they arrived in the United States to join their father and husband. (L to R): Pando, Dota, John, Elia, and Eleftheria.

The Boshkoff, Dzodzoff, and Gligoroff families in Australia. (L to R), Seated: Streeko Gligoreto Boshkoff, Vouina Anna Boshkova, and Vouiko Koleto Boshkoff. Standing: Naseto Gligoroff of Bumboki, the husband of Ditchka Dzodzova standing next to him, Prosha Dzodzova holding Ditchka’s first daughter, Lena, and Stavreto Dzdodzoff.