12 Facts About Lou Papan

Louis John Papan was a Democratic California politician.

Lou Papan was known as the "Dean of the Assembly" for his 20 years in the California State Assembly.

Lou Papan spoke only Greek when he began elementary school.

Lou Papan served as a Sergeant in the US Army during World War II and a First Lieutenant in the US Air Force during the Korean War.

Lou Papan received his BA in Economics in 1951 from Syracuse University in New York.

Lou Papan became a real estate broker and general insurance agent in 1958 and co-founded the Peninsula Bank of Commerce in 1981.

Lou Papan was first elected to the California State Assembly in 1972, where he served until 1986.

Lou Papan served as Speaker Pro Tempore from 1974 to 1976, and chaired the powerful Assembly Rules Committee from 1976 to 1986.

Lou Papan was the Chair of the Assembly Banking and Finance Committee.

In 2006, Lou Papan again ran for the State Senate in the 8th District - but came in third place in the Democratic primary, losing to Leland Yee.

Lou Papan was well known as an advocate for disabled children.

Lou Papan died on April 28,2007, after a heart attack at his home in Millbrae, California.