The family of Anthony Papa of Clinton is saddened to announce his passing on Dec. 8.
Mr. Papa was born in Staten Island, N.Y., on Dec. 14, 1944. He served in the U.S. Navy as a boatswain’s mate, 3rd Class Petty Officer. Mr. Papa had an extensive career in law enforcement with the New York Police Department and in the private sector. He also had a passion for physical fitness, martial arts, landscaping, and hard work, all of which he would routinely use in the service of helping family, friends, and strangers alike. He was a role model to many and a teacher to all.
Mr. Papa was a martial arts master and earned the title kyoshi (professor) in 2019. His ability to teach the application of techniques was unparalleled and perhaps his greatest contribution to martial arts.
Mr. Papa was active with the Catholic Church, he was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus, and he was a dedicated member of St. Therese Parish in Clinton, where he was a former member of the parish council and led many security initiatives, improving the grounds and the church building.
Together with his late wife, Trish, Mr. Papa led the Blessing Box project, which continues to be a successful and charitable endeavor to help those in need in the community.
Mr. Papa is preceded in death by his wife, Trish Papa; his father, Dominick Papa; and his mother, Carol Papa. He is survived by his siblings Marguerite (Tim) Grady, Carol (Ray) Montoro, and Catherine Papa and husband Scott; his children, Anthony Papa, Kristin Smith, and Michael (Elizabeth) Papa; and his grandchildren, Logan Papa, Angelina Papa, Rob Smith, Connor Smith, Vincent Papa, and Giovanni Papa.
Donations in Mr. Papa’s memory can be made to St. Therese Church, 701 S. Charles G. Seivers Blvd, Clinton, TN 37716.