Papadakis received his diploma in civil engineering from the National Technical University of Athens in Greece.

He came to the United States in 1969 to continue his studies in civil engineering and earn his master's degree from the University of Cincinnati.

[5] After his death Papadakis' total earnings, including life insurance payout, was estimated at over $4 million.

[7] He also served on the board of trustees of the Hellenic College and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology.

[2] Papadakis died at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, from pulmonary complications due to pneumonia on April 5, 2009 after battling lung cancer for months.