Stephen Colleran Obituary

Colleran, Stephen Charles Passed away on Wednesday, September 21 in Marana, Arizona, after a six-year battle with prostate cancer. Born and raised in Evanston, IL, Steve left his job flipping Hackney burgers in 1975 and headed west to Jackson Hole, WY to drive the laundry truck at Jackson Lake Lodge where he met his wife of 40 years, Carol Sue. With a humble start, and a self-proclaimed diploma from the school of hard knocks, Steve turned his incredible work ethic into a very successful 40-year career in the health insurance industry, which led him throughout Oregon, Utah, Idaho, and Arizona, where he and Carol raised their two boys, Ryan and Patrick. Steve lived his life with an "attitude of gratitude" and led by example. He was a mentor to hundreds of people both professionally and personally. Many felt his generosity as he shared sensible advice, overwhelming support, and lots of laughter with all who knew him. Despite chemotherapy, radiation, clinical trials, and surgeries, Steve never missed an opportunity for adventure. He continued his love of travel, checking off places he'd always wanted to go. Even on bad days, he pursued his lifelong love of swimming and would get his mile in. Captain Steve found solace sailing his sailboat, the Wild Rose, in the coastal waters of San Diego. He lived one day at a time and made the best of each and every one. Steve is preceded in death by his brothers, Sean and Mark; and his father, Jerry. Steve is survived by his wife, Carol; his mother, Donna; his brother, Kevin; his sons, Ryan and Patrick; honorary son, Rodrigo; daughter-in-law, Alison; his dog, Rosie; and by the thousands of people whose lives he touched during his 61 years in this world. A Memorial Mass will be held on October 8, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mark Catholic Church, Oro Valley, AZ. For more information, visit www.VistosoFH.com or call Vistoso Funeral Home at 520-544-2285