Stephen Alan Chaikin's Obituary
Stephen Alan Chaikin
September 21, 1937 – December 22, 2025
Stephen Alan Chaikin was born on September 21, 1937, in Sioux City, Iowa, and passed away on December 22, 2025, in Pembroke Pines, Florida.
He beat the odds more times than seemed reasonable—until he couldn’t do it any longer. Steve was a devoted father, grandfather, and proud new great-grandfather. Nothing mattered more to him than his family, and he always lit up when talking about his children and grandchildren.
Steve, known by most as Papa Steve, is survived by his daughters, Debbie DeVito (Kevin), Julie Chaikin, and Lauren Chaikin; his grandchildren, Michael DeVito, Jonathan DeVito, Corey DeVito (Julie), Rafael Artigas (Jacqueline), Jordan Artigas (fiancée Lydia), Matthew Artigas (Sharley), Zachary Hogan, and Carly Hogan (fiancé Marc); and his great-grandchildren, Atlas Evan Artigas and Emily Joan DeVito.
He loved sports and stayed loyal to his Miami teams, even through the many ups—and mostly downs. A proud Iowan at heart, Steve remained a loyal Iowa Hawkeyes fan. Still, nothing meant more to him than attending his grandchildren’s games. He was their number one cheerleader, always showing up.
Steve will be remembered in the stories we tell and the moments he showed up for. And yes, now that he’s gone, we finally have a better chance of winning Wordle.
Dad/Papa, you will be missed.
GO HAWKS!
In lieu of flowers, donations in Stephen’s memory may be made to the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BvHxnDjs9/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Graveside Service will be held on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. at Beth David Memorial Gardens, 3201 N. 72nd Avenue, Hollywood, Florida 33024 (954) 963-2400.
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