[2][3] He spent his early years in Somerville, Massachusetts, where he worked part-time in his father's store.
[7] On May 1, 1946, a consortium led by Pappas acquired controlling interest in Suffolk Downs at a Federal Court-directed public auction for $3.6 million.
Pappas' bid exceeded offers made by Joseph F. Timilty, Henry Simberg (represented at the auction by Paul A. Dever), and Bay Meadows Racetrack general manager Bill Kyne.
The success of the Sears project led the company to have Pappas manage construction of a new store and parking garage in White Plains, New York.
There, Pappas constructed White Plains Plaza, a 15-story office building that was leased quickly upon completion.