Stephen Farago

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.