Dr. Stephen Nicholas "Steve" Cherewaty MD

Dr. Stephen Nicholas Cherewaty died peacefully at his home in Beaumont, Texas, on October 24, 2025. He was born February 5, 1950, in Passaic, New Jersey, to first-generation American parents, Steve Cherewaty and Anna Tkach, of Ukrainian and Czechoslovakian descent respectively. Steve grew up in Clifton, where he attended public school, graduating from Clifton High School with academic honors. He was an Eagle Scout and President of the Key Club. He attended Duke University for his undergraduate degree, graduating in 1972. During those years at Duke, he formed lifelong friendships, many of whom also went on to attend medical school.

Steve attended the Medical College of Virginia (MCV) after a one-year delay to receive his Master's Degree in Radiological Physics as he matriculated to Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. It was at Emory that he met his lifelong partner, Denise Elliott from Onancock, Virginia, who was a first-year student at Emory Hospital in the School of Radiologic Technology. Steve left Emory upon completing his one-year degree, and Denise joined him a year later in Richmond, Virginia, as he began his second year of medical school. Denise began her career in a newly built hospital as one of the original staff technologists in the Department of Radiology.

Steve's attendance in medical school was under an Army scholarship which provided opportunities far beyond his imagination. He spent three months on active-duty status as a third-year medical student at Fitzsimons Army Hospital in Denver, Colorado, where he experienced the beginning of military life. He and Denise rented an apartment in Aurora, Colorado, and enjoyed exploring the beauty of the Rocky Mountains and statewide parks. Upon returning to Richmond for his final year and completion of medical school, they brought home their newly born Colorado puppy, Yuri. The Army allowed a one-year exemption from military duty for internship, moving his family to Roanoke, Virginia, for one year of Internal Medicine. Immediately afterward, he was placed on active duty and assigned to Pusan, South Korea, where an accompanied tour allowed his seven-month-pregnant wife to travel with him, his dog travelling alone on a separate flight, and much needed baggage to join them for the next few years. He was stationed on Hialeah Compound as a General Medical Officer, attending to all military staff, dependents, and visiting ships entering Pusan Port. He was also assigned to the MASH (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital), a unit set for wartime activation but functioning as an independent clinic during peacetime. His son, Stephen Jr., was born at a Maryknoll Hospital in Pusan, Korea, and holds an "American Citizen Born Abroad" birth certificate.

Upon completing his 25-month tour, Steve returned to the United States for a Radiology Residency at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., where he spent the next three years. He was then assigned to Ft. Belvoir, Virginia, for his final two years of military obligation. During his service, he had the privilege of meeting several significant and historic individuals, including General John Vessey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Hazel Johnson, the first African American female General; and General Bernard Mittemeyer, who was instrumental in Steve's successful adaptation to military life. General Mittemeyer became a friend, and upon his retirement from the military in 1985, Steve and Denise attended his retirement party in Washington, D.C. Steve left his military career as Major Cherewaty.

In 1988, Steve began a new chapter as a civilian, moving his family to Beaumont, Texas. It proved to be a wonderful move for the family as he practiced for 30 years at Baptist Hospital of Southeast Texas with the former Beaumont Radiology Group and its successor practices. He created a full and meaningful life forming lasting friendships with colleagues and community members alike. He could often be found at the Wilton P. Hebert Wellness Center, volunteering for Meals on Wheels, walking or cycling through his neighborhood, always ready with a greeting for friends and their dogs.

Steve enjoyed traveling with family and friends, particularly trips to Las Vegas and cruises, including a memorable Transatlantic cruise with his brother in April of this year. He loved his family deeply and leaves behind his wife, Denise, of 51 years; son, Stephen Cherewaty and daughter-in-law, Heather Austin Cherewaty; brother, Ron Cherewaty and wife, Rachel Glaser Cherewaty; sister-in-law, Doris Elliott Wampler; and brother-in-law, Larry Wampler; nieces, Brandt Wampler Cahoon, Alyssa Cherewaty, and Katianna Cherewaty; and nephews, Hans Wampler and Christopher Cherewaty. He also leaves behind many beloved cousins and extended family members. He is preceded in death by his mother, Anna; father, Steve; and sister and brother-in-law, Joanna and Charles DiBello.

Contributions may be made in Steve's memory to these charities St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105; Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard Staten Island, New York 10306; or the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 159 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca, New York 14850.

Dr. Cherewaty's arrangements are pending under the direction of Broussard's, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. 409-866-3838