In loving memory of

Steven T. Cherekos

Steven T. Cherekos, 69, after a 2 month struggle with cancer, passed January 21, 2018. Born in Chicago, Illinois, he moved to Phoenix in 1968. Married 47 years to Vicki (Falconer), was proud of his three sons, Ted, Alex, and Andy, their spouses, Kate and Whitney, and granddaughter, Caroline.

Preceded in death by parents, Theodore and Jacquelyn, brothers, Phillip and Tommy. After working as a Scottsdale Police Officer, in the insurance industry, computer programming and in telecom, he retired spending time in his library doing historical research, watching classic movies, water color painting, reading, cooking, writing his short stories, "Cop Tales". Saturdays you would find him at Turf Paradise developing lasting friendships.

Visitation Saturday, January 27, 3:00, service at 4:00, Hansen Desert Hills Mortuaries, 6500 East Bell, Scottsdale. Reception held at their home.
Interment will be February 5, 9:30 a.m. at Hansen Desert Hills Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Building Homes for Heroes, 65 Roosevelt Ave, Suite 105, Valley Stream, NY 11581. Visit hansenmortuary.com for online condolences.

Tributes

Rick Flanagan wrote on Feb 4, 2018:

"Yesterday, I was saddened to learn of Steve?s passing. It has been 50 years since he and I last spoke. We played football and ran the hurdles in track together during our Junior and Senior years in high school. I was happy to read that Steve led a full life, with a long marriage and three sons. I would have liked to see his watercolors and read his ?Cop Tales?. But, most of all, I would have liked to talk with him for a couple hours. I tried to include two sports photos showing Steve from our high school yearbook, but evidently the application does not accept photos. I will remember Steve. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Rick Flanagan (New Providence High School class of 1967)"

DR DON BROWN wrote on Feb 4, 2018:

"WHAT A GREAT FRIEND DURING THAT UNFORGETTABLE TIME OF HIGH SCHOOL..ONE OF THE " FEARLESS FIVE" WITH HERBIE, KUF, RUSTY AND ME, DON. HOW MANY HOURS DID WE ALL SHARE IN THAT UNFORGETTABLE 65 GTO AND TIME AS SENIOR TRI-CAPTAINS WITH HERBIE ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD AND WITH ME ON THE TRACK TEAM. ONE THING FOR SURE, FOR A SKINNY GUY, HE WAS TOUGH AS NAILS AND POUND FOR POUND, THE BADDEST GUY ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD. I HAVE ALWAYS ADMIRED HIS TENACITY. A PART OF ALL OF US LEAVES WHEN ONE OF US DEPARTS. HOW COMMON TO SAY TO ONESELF WHY DID WE NOT EVER GET TOGETHER TO SHARE THOSE AND NEW TIMES? WE WILL MISS HIM AND HE SEEMED LIKE A VERY GENTLE SOUL LATER IN LIFE WITH A WONDERFUL FAMILY LEGACY..."

Sargi Grijalva wrote on Jan 27, 2018:

"My thoughts and prayers for the entire Cherekos famiy. I know Steve will be missed by so many people."

Chuck Cherekos wrote on Jan 25, 2018:

"Our sympathy and prayers go out to Vicki, Ted, Alex and Andy. It's been a long time since we've seen you all. Take care and remember Steve for the good man that he was. Chuck, Linda, Steve and Nick Cherekos"

Karen Patten wrote on Jan 24, 2018:

"My prayers go out to the entire Cherekos family, Steve was such a warm and friendly man, l Will miss his wonderful smile and all his great tips on the races."

Jane Bolton wrote on Jan 24, 2018:

"My thoughts and sincere condolences go out to all of you. Please know that I will keep you in my prayers today and in the weeks to come."

Bill Champlin wrote on Jan 24, 2018:

"My prayers go out to the entire Cherekos family. Steve was quite a person--he loved to tell stories about his experiences as a Policeman for the City of Scottsdale, AZ. Steve was also one of the best handicapper's of Thoroughbred Horse racing. I used to wait for his picks every Saturday at the races. We have enjoyed Steve, Vicki and Ted. I wish I had also known Alex and Andy, but feel as if I did know them through Steve, Vicki and Ted. I admire Vicki for being such a good Caregiver for her sister and and also the love she showed for Steve. Ted also gave a lot of support to Steve and Vicki. I enjoyed visiting with Ted. I would also like to add that Building Homes For Heroes had a strong presence in the Phoenix area. From your our good friends at The Champlin and Grijalva Families. 1/24/2018"

Douglas Worobey wrote on Jan 23, 2018:

"Our thoughts and prayers for the Cherekos family. I have known his son Andy for 14 years. It?s seems like I knew his dad with all the great stories he told me about his dad . It would of been a great pleasure to of known him."