Stephen A. Farago, born February 27, 1950, and passed away suddenly on May 31, 2025 at his cabin in Flagstaff, Arizona, at the age of 75. He was born in Chicago, Illinois to Stephen P. Farago and Ethel L. Farago (Horner). He is survived by his beloved wife, Margaret (Margie) Farago (Hall), and his cherished daughters: Tracy Origer (husband Kenneth Origer, daughter Sullivan, and son Cannon), Laura Quam (daughters Regan and Addison), and Lizzie Ekren (husband Brooks Ekren, daughter Kaileigh, and son Keelan). Steve is also survived by his older sister Lee Bogucki. A devoted husband, loving father, proud veteran, and dedicated public servant, Steve leaves behind a legacy of courage, integrity, and unwavering commitment to his family and community.
Growing up, Steve had always wanted to be a Police Officer. After graduating High School, the Viet Nam war was starting and Steve enlisted in the Army and was sent to the DMZ in Korea. Upon returning home, he attended Western Illinois University where he met Margie and the two instantly fell in love. Upon their graduations, each with a Bachelor’s Degree in Law Enforcement Administration, Steve became a Joliet Police Officer in 1975, and later that year the two were married in Margie’s hometown of Roselle, Illinois. This began their beautiful life together. In 1978, Steve became a Mesa Police Officer and they moved to Mesa, Arizona. Three daughters arrived and the family was complete. Steve went on to get his Masters of Science Degree at Northern Arizona University.
Steve and Margie’s three daughters have chosen careers in helping others, just like their Dad. Laura is a Crisis Specialist, Tracy is a Medical Dosimetrist for Cancer patients receiving Radiation, and Lizzie is a Critical Care Nurse. Steve’s compassion for helping others is truly reflected in his daughters. The six grandchildren melt his heart and bring the Grandparents absolute joy!
Steve’s life was defined by service—first to his country as a proud member of the United States Army, and later to his community as a respected Police Lieutenant with the Mesa Police Department, from which he honorably retired. His career included Patrol, CID, Training, to name a few, but his heart was in Traffic and proudly being a Motor Sergeant and Lieutenant. When you love what you do, it isn’t work, it’s a passion.
Steve will be remembered not only for his strong sense of duty, but for his kind heart, his quiet strength, and the deep love he held for his family.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 16, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery, 7900 E. Main St., Mesa, AZ 85207. Friends, family, and former colleagues are invited to join in honoring the life and legacy of a man who gave so much to so many.
Steve’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
My condolences to Steve’s family.
Steve will be missed, for sure! He was good friend and neighbor. I will always miss his leadership of our “Wings” night. I know he loved our time together as much as we all did. Rest in peace, my friend!
At my 75 years if age, I can say that Steve was, and will always be my best and beloved friend. I have looked at many photos of us in footers, cutting firewood, etc. This is how I want to remember my buddy, not in a casket. I love you Steve.
So sad to hear of this news! I worked with Steve for several years while at Mesa PD. He was a very kind man who treated all officers he supervised with dignity and respect. I know he loved his family and the profession he chose.
May you rest in peace, my friend you will be missed. We have a lot of good times working and being around each other. It’s been a blessing to meet your family all these years have been part of it. Love you buddy.
What a remarkable man. Steve will be missed by all that knew him. May his family find peace in all the memories they have made with him.
My thoughts and prayers for Steve’s family and friends. Steve was certainly dedicated and loved his job. He was a good, kind-hearted man that cared about the people who worked for him. I got to know him when we worked at training, but his heart was always with the motors. May he rest in peace in God’s grace.
Steve…You were a great patriot, cop, husband, father & friend. I enjoyed working for and with you. You were a guy who would give the shirt off his back for a friend in need. I will miss your FB messages! Prayers for Margie and family.
A very wonderful man. So glad I got to know him.
So very sorry for your loss, are thoughs are with you all.
What an Awesome person, I had some great laughs with Steve.
Jerry Smith
Have known both Steve and his wife Margie since college days, the judo club, and the rookie years at the Joliet Police Department. Very sorry to hear of his loss. His family should know he and they are in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace, Steve.
Steve was my Sgt. in the Traffic Unit when I was an AI. He was so kind to me. One morning I offered to make coffee for him. I said you have to tell me how to make cuz I don’t drink it. Steve said just put a scoop of coffee for every cup. I looked at the pot it said 10 cups. So I added 10 scoops. I gave him a cup when it was done brewing. He said thanks. As I walked away he took a drink and about choked. He manages to cough out the words, how much coffee did you put in this. I proudly said 10. One for each cup. He said no 1 for drinking size cup. Surprisingly he never let me make coffee again. I enjoyed working for him.
Margie & Family,
After all these years, I have such fond memories of Steve. Thoughts and prayers for one and all. Love Tom
Steve was a great leader and friend. He will truly be missed.
Rest in peace my friend and my God Bless You !!
S0 sorry about Steves passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Margie and family, I worked with Steve and enjoyed every minute of it in. While I never worked Motors with him I knew it was one assignment he truly enjoyed. Rest in peace my friend, you have earned another set of wings.
Margie and Family
My condolences and prayers to you and your family. Steve was a kind and caring man. I enjoyed working with him and getting to know him more outside of work. He will be missed.
So sorry that Steve has passed so suddenly. Praying for you and your family.
Beautiful obituary.
Steve will definitely be missed. He was a good friend and always was willing to help people. Wing night will not be the same.
Our condolences to Margie and family. Steve will be missed but they are a strong family and will survive.
Bruce and Judy Woods
Sad times upon us my sincere condolences to Margie and family. Steve enjoyed life and all the people around him. He was always positive and ready to serve. I will miss you my friend rest in peace. My thought and prayers go out to your family.
Needless to say, Steve was a great guy and friend. Steve was my roommate at Western Illinois University for several years. He loved riding motorcycles. I was with him when he bought his first motorcycle back in early 70s and for over 50 years every time I saw a police officer on a motorcycle, I thought of Steve. I will continue to do so.
So sad to hear the news of Steve’s sudden passing. He has been a wonderful neighbor and a kind person, always willing to help others. He made the world a better place with his smile and gentle strength. We had lots of laughs together at White Horse Park gatherings. I’ll miss seeing him walk the loop, but his kind words and deeds will live on.
Tracy – I was deeply saddened to hear of your father’s passing. While I did not have the privilege of knowing him well, I do know the incredible person he raised. Your compassion, attentiveness, and joyful spirit are a testament to his legacy. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
I have never personally met Steve, but I have worked with his daughter Tracy for many years now. I know how much she cherished her time with him and that he must have been pretty amazing, because his daughter sure is!! Please hold on to and cherish all of those many memories you have had with him and lean on each other to get thru this difficult time. Prayers for strength coming your families way!!
HAJIME! That’s the Japanese command to begin randori – a Judo sparring match -and that’s where I met Steve many years ago in the WIU Judo club. He was always ready to rumble, or play, but his strong work ethic shone through in whatever he did. I have valued his friendship for oh so many years. Sayonara, old friend.
Margie, So very sorry to hear about Steve. You guys are the best neighbors and the glue of the community up there. Our condolences. Sending prayers.
Dear Tracy,
I am deeply saddened to hear of your father’s passing. Steve’s life was a beautiful testament to faith, service, and love for his family and community. His legacy of compassion and dedication shines brightly through you and your sisters, and I pray that God’s comfort and peace envelop you and your entire family during this time. May Stephen’s memory be a blessing, forever held in your hearts.
With heartfelt prayers,
Tomasz
Steve was all about his family. I will miss him checking on his younger cousin (me) in California just to be sure I was okay. Much like his father checked on my mom. He will always have a special place in my heart. My love and prayers go out to Margie and his daughters.
As a new Farmers Insurance agent in 1978, Steve became one of my very first customers. He was working to get on with Mesa PD and Margie had not yet moved to Arizona. He became much more than a customer, he became a lifetime friend ❤️ You will be greatly missed my friend…RIP
Rich Winters
Dear Steve and family,
I was deeply saddened to hear of your passing. You are not only a remarkable leader but also a true friend to many, leaving a lasting impact on all of our lives.
Your dedication, compassion, and humor, inspired everyone around you and your legacy will always be remembered. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Many blessings. Godspeed Steve.
With heartfelt condolences,
DD
Our deepest condolences to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
He was my boss out at the Superstion station and I was his secretary. He was a great officer and will be missed by all who served under Lt. Farägo.
Dear Margie and Family,
We was heartbroken to hear about Steve. Please accept our deepest condolences. I can only imagine how tough this time must be for you, and we want you to know that you are in our thoughts.
I’m truly sorry we weren’t able to be there for the funeral service. Please know that even though we couldn’t be there in person, we were holding you and your family in our hearts.
My condolences to Steve’s family.
Steve will be missed, for sure! He was good friend and neighbor. I will always miss his leadership of our “Wings” night. I know he loved our time together as much as we all did. Rest in peace, my friend!
At my 75 years if age, I can say that Steve was, and will always be my best and beloved friend. I have looked at many photos of us in footers, cutting firewood, etc. This is how I want to remember my buddy, not in a casket. I love you Steve.
So sad to hear of this news! I worked with Steve for several years while at Mesa PD. He was a very kind man who treated all officers he supervised with dignity and respect. I know he loved his family and the profession he chose.
May you rest in peace, my friend you will be missed. We have a lot of good times working and being around each other. It’s been a blessing to meet your family all these years have been part of it. Love you buddy.
What a remarkable man. Steve will be missed by all that knew him. May his family find peace in all the memories they have made with him.
My thoughts and prayers for Steve’s family and friends. Steve was certainly dedicated and loved his job. He was a good, kind-hearted man that cared about the people who worked for him. I got to know him when we worked at training, but his heart was always with the motors. May he rest in peace in God’s grace.
Steve…You were a great patriot, cop, husband, father & friend. I enjoyed working for and with you. You were a guy who would give the shirt off his back for a friend in need. I will miss your FB messages! Prayers for Margie and family.
A very wonderful man. So glad I got to know him.
So very sorry for your loss, are thoughs are with you all.
What an Awesome person, I had some great laughs with Steve.
Jerry Smith
Have known both Steve and his wife Margie since college days, the judo club, and the rookie years at the Joliet Police Department. Very sorry to hear of his loss. His family should know he and they are in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace, Steve.
Steve was my Sgt. in the Traffic Unit when I was an AI. He was so kind to me. One morning I offered to make coffee for him. I said you have to tell me how to make cuz I don’t drink it. Steve said just put a scoop of coffee for every cup. I looked at the pot it said 10 cups. So I added 10 scoops. I gave him a cup when it was done brewing. He said thanks. As I walked away he took a drink and about choked. He manages to cough out the words, how much coffee did you put in this. I proudly said 10. One for each cup. He said no 1 for drinking size cup. Surprisingly he never let me make coffee again. I enjoyed working for him.
Margie & Family,
After all these years, I have such fond memories of Steve. Thoughts and prayers for one and all. Love Tom
Steve was a great leader and friend. He will truly be missed.
Rest in peace my friend and my God Bless You !!
S0 sorry about Steves passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Margie and family, I worked with Steve and enjoyed every minute of it in. While I never worked Motors with him I knew it was one assignment he truly enjoyed. Rest in peace my friend, you have earned another set of wings.
Margie and Family
My condolences and prayers to you and your family. Steve was a kind and caring man. I enjoyed working with him and getting to know him more outside of work. He will be missed.
So sorry that Steve has passed so suddenly. Praying for you and your family.
Beautiful obituary.
Steve will definitely be missed. He was a good friend and always was willing to help people. Wing night will not be the same.
Our condolences to Margie and family. Steve will be missed but they are a strong family and will survive.
Bruce and Judy Woods
Sad times upon us my sincere condolences to Margie and family. Steve enjoyed life and all the people around him. He was always positive and ready to serve. I will miss you my friend rest in peace. My thought and prayers go out to your family.
Needless to say, Steve was a great guy and friend. Steve was my roommate at Western Illinois University for several years. He loved riding motorcycles. I was with him when he bought his first motorcycle back in early 70s and for over 50 years every time I saw a police officer on a motorcycle, I thought of Steve. I will continue to do so.
So sad to hear the news of Steve’s sudden passing. He has been a wonderful neighbor and a kind person, always willing to help others. He made the world a better place with his smile and gentle strength. We had lots of laughs together at White Horse Park gatherings. I’ll miss seeing him walk the loop, but his kind words and deeds will live on.
Tracy – I was deeply saddened to hear of your father’s passing. While I did not have the privilege of knowing him well, I do know the incredible person he raised. Your compassion, attentiveness, and joyful spirit are a testament to his legacy. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
I have never personally met Steve, but I have worked with his daughter Tracy for many years now. I know how much she cherished her time with him and that he must have been pretty amazing, because his daughter sure is!! Please hold on to and cherish all of those many memories you have had with him and lean on each other to get thru this difficult time. Prayers for strength coming your families way!!
HAJIME! That’s the Japanese command to begin randori – a Judo sparring match -and that’s where I met Steve many years ago in the WIU Judo club. He was always ready to rumble, or play, but his strong work ethic shone through in whatever he did. I have valued his friendship for oh so many years. Sayonara, old friend.
Margie, So very sorry to hear about Steve. You guys are the best neighbors and the glue of the community up there. Our condolences. Sending prayers.
Dear Tracy,
I am deeply saddened to hear of your father’s passing. Steve’s life was a beautiful testament to faith, service, and love for his family and community. His legacy of compassion and dedication shines brightly through you and your sisters, and I pray that God’s comfort and peace envelop you and your entire family during this time. May Stephen’s memory be a blessing, forever held in your hearts.
With heartfelt prayers,
Tomasz
Steve was all about his family. I will miss him checking on his younger cousin (me) in California just to be sure I was okay. Much like his father checked on my mom. He will always have a special place in my heart. My love and prayers go out to Margie and his daughters.
As a new Farmers Insurance agent in 1978, Steve became one of my very first customers. He was working to get on with Mesa PD and Margie had not yet moved to Arizona. He became much more than a customer, he became a lifetime friend ❤️ You will be greatly missed my friend…RIP
Rich Winters
Dear Steve and family,
I was deeply saddened to hear of your passing. You are not only a remarkable leader but also a true friend to many, leaving a lasting impact on all of our lives.
Your dedication, compassion, and humor, inspired everyone around you and your legacy will always be remembered. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Many blessings. Godspeed Steve.
With heartfelt condolences,
DD
Our deepest condolences to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
He was my boss out at the Superstion station and I was his secretary. He was a great officer and will be missed by all who served under Lt. Farägo.
Dear Margie and Family,
We was heartbroken to hear about Steve. Please accept our deepest condolences. I can only imagine how tough this time must be for you, and we want you to know that you are in our thoughts.
I’m truly sorry we weren’t able to be there for the funeral service. Please know that even though we couldn’t be there in person, we were holding you and your family in our hearts.