John C. Pappas

John C. Pappas (1906–1972) was a Greek-American jurist and businessman.

Early life Pappas was born in Filiatra, Greece. The Pappases had seven children and resided in Belmont, Massachusetts, before moving to Milton, Massachusetts. In 1935, he was appointed a special justice of the Gloucester District Court. He remained on the bench until his resignation in 1965.

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. Pappas was Suffolk Downs' chairman from 1946 to 1948 and was president of the racetrack from 1948 until he sold it in 1964.

Pappas died on December 3, 1972, at the age of 66.