Kalman (Kal) Papp was born on September 10, 1945, in Vöcklabruck, Austria, the son of Alexander and Irene Papp. In 1950, he immigrated to the United States with his parents and brother, first settling in Rochester, New York, before moving to Port Reading, New Jersey. He graduated from Woodbridge High School, attended Rutgers College, and served honorably in the United States Army beginning in 1964.
A driven and entrepreneurial man, Kal owned several successful staffing agencies in New York City throughout his career. After many years of hard work, he lived in Staten Island before retiring to Brigantine, New Jersey, where he embraced the simple pleasures that brought him joy—traveling, golfing, reading, and spending peaceful days on the sand at Brigantine Beach.
Kal passed away on March 12, 2026, at the age of 80. He is survived by his devoted wife of 44 years, Cathy Papp (née Benanti), the love of his life; his son, Erik (Hemma); his sister, Irene Cicerale (Steve); and his grandsons, Alex and Tommy. He also leaves behind his goddaughter, Amanda Benanti; sisters-in-law Anne Bozza and MaryAnn Benanti; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alexander and Irene Papp, his brother Alex, and his brothers-in-law John Benanti and Walter Bozza.
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