Louis J. Papan, 78; former Democratic state assemblyman

Louis J. Papan, 78, a former California state assemblyman, died Saturday of a heart attack at Peninsula Medical Center in Burlingame, Calif., according to spokeswoman Margie O’Clair.

Known as Dean of the Assembly, Papan -- a Democrat who represented San Mateo County -- served from 1972 to 1986 and again from 1996 to 2002. He was elected Assembly speaker pro tempore in 1974, according to a campaign website.

Born in Springfield, Mass., Papan was named Elias Papandricoupolos, according to a campaign website, which also said his name was mistakenly listed on his birth certificate as Louis because the doctor who delivered him was not familiar with the name Elias. He earned a degree in economics at Syracuse University and later graduated from the FBI Academy. He served as an FBI agent from 1955 to 1958.

Papan also served as a councilman of Daly City, Calif., real estate broker and insurance agent. Papan lost a 2006 bid for the Democratic nomination for state Senate.