Stephen Nicholas 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 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.
A memorial service for Dr. Cherewaty will be 11:00 a.m., with a reception to follow until 1:30 p.m., Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His cremation arrangements were handled through Broussard’s Crematorium. His service will be streamed online.
Video
Memorial Service
Broussard’s Mortuary Major Dr.
- 1605, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
- November 8, 2025
- 11:00 am
Reception
Broussard’s Mortuary Major Dr.
- 1605, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
- November 8, 2025
- 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Such a pleasant and wonderful radiologist… My condolences go out to the family… He taught me a lot, years ago when I was a transcriptionist.
My sincere condolences to Denise and family. I was fortunate to know Steve as a colleague and friend. I met him in 1988 when I arrived in Beaumont to practice OB/GYN. The doctor’s dining room at the hospital and the radiology reading room were areas for discussing patient findings as well as for talking about family, physician life and its challenges. He even shared with me that he made his own diagnosis. Despite this he remained positive and optimistic. I will always remember him for his kindness and friendship.
Steve was such a consummate physician, friend, and person. I always enjoyed interacting with him, because he could always teach me something about his professional skills. I respected him as an advocate for his patients, especially children. Steve was a mentor and could remember facts and people well beyond my capabilities. The Beaumont community was better for him and he will be missed, especially by the medical community.
Every now and then, I will think of someone whom I once knew well but with whom I have lost contact, and I will Google their name to see if I can find out anything about them. By a remarkable coincidence, Stephen’s name was on my mind this morning, and the search revealed that this very day is the day of his memorial service. We shared med school in Richmond and internship in Roanoke, but then eventually lost contact. I remember both Denise and Stephen with great fondness, and I can see by this obit that he lived his whole life as I knew him way back when – with great professional skill but also with personal kindness and compassion for all. May God send peace and comfort to all his friends and precious family.
Every now and then, I will think of someone whom I once knew well but with whom I have lost contact, and I will Google their name to see if I can find out anything about them. By a remarkable coincidence, Stephen’s name was on my mind this morning, and the search revealed that this very day is the day of his memorial service. We shared med school in Richmond and internship in Roanoke, but then eventually lost contact. I remember both Denise and Stephen with great fondness, and I can see by this obit that he lived his whole life as I knew him way back when – with great professional skill but also with personal kindness and compassion for all. May God send peace and comfort to all his friends and precious family.
I have known Dr. Cherewaty my entire life. He was loved by my family, he watched me grow from childhood—playing in the dark room while my mom, Ardis, was at work—to an adult. He was a remarkable husband, father, and physician. I will always cherish our conversations, the memories we shared, and the lessons he taught me throughout my career. My deepest sympathies are with the Cherewaty family.
A five decade journey with memories so deep and respect so honest, I am blessed to have shared our journey in life. I think in coming from a similar Ukrainian background we established a friendship bond that got us through our educational journeys. I still can hear him playing the accordian as I danced the Cossack Calvary Dance in his parent’s living room in New Jersey! As our families grew and distance and time separated us, I always kept him in my heart and mind. In moving to Texas in 2014 we were able to spend time together and rekindle our friendship. Steve, I’ll miss that smile, your quite insites, your big heart, and that cruise we were planning. Love and miss you old friend.
I met Steve in September, 1968. He lived across the hall from me in one of the freshman dorms at Duke University. His room had a lot of windows and light, and so became a gathering place for many on that floor. He was a great racketball player and I always remember how he would dive for ground balls that I would let go. We had many college adventures that I will always cherish.
We had some parallels in our lives. For example we were both eagle scouts, went to medical school, got masters degrees in health related fields, were more interested in treating patients than doing research, spent time in the army and were deployed to foreign countries,, he to Korea and me to Saudi Arabia.
We would stay in touch over the decades, and we were always interested in each other’s path through life. It’s hard to lose a good friend, and hopefully we will meet again. Much love and condolences to Denise and his family
I have so much gratitude for Denice and Dr. Stephen Cherewaty. Denice is a friend, a professional, an advocate, and a counselor for Senior Citizens. Dr. Cherewaty for finding my gallbladder problem, a remarkable story. For his mentorship of my granddaughter, Taylor, as she was going through the Baptist Radiology program, he put her under his professional wing, teaching her the rewarding aspects of radiology. Truly, forever blessings. Heaven has a fabulous man. My heart and love go out to the Cherewaty families as they celebrate Steve’s wonderful life.
A very sweet family, verysorry to hear the news. I have fond memories of running the neighborhood as a kid with Steve Jr. Sending condolences and prayers your way!
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers Mark. Good to hear from you and glad you commented. Both of our folks put up with a lot from us…. Be well.
I have so many fond memories of Dr Cherewaty. After I graduated xray school in Beaumont, I would spend time with him looking at images, and exchanging stories for hours. He taught me so much and I attribute a large part of what I learned outside of school to him. He definitely made me a better employee and his kindness will never be forgotten.
Denise, I was so sorry to hear of Dr. “C”s passing. We worked together at Baptist for many years. Through all ‘the ups and downs and all around”. He was very personable and easy to work with. Always eager to tell a story, gossip a bit in the lounge, then back to the reading room. All those x-rays! He was a co-worker but also a good friend. My sincere condolences to you and the family!
I was a 2nd year radiology student when he came to Baptist. He taught me so much over the years and we had many laughs along the way. Sorry to hear of his passing. Heartfelt condolences to his family.
Steve was a great partner, team player , excellent physician and a very empathetic person. I always enjoyed our talks, when things got slow in the radiology dept. It was an honor to practice with such a great human and caring friend. He will be greatly missed.