Steve Tiscareno

Steve Tiscareno, 72, passed away on July 10, 2023, after a 16-month battle with pancreatic cancer.  Steve enjoyed a varied career as a manager in several industries, primarily banking.  He also spent time as a teacher, and lastly as a pastor.  Steve was a beloved friend to many and a leader in his church, as well as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.

Steven Arthur Tiscareno was born on October 29, 1950, in Lynwood, California, to Arthur and Winifred (Steed) Tiscareno.  He was their middle child, with older brother Mark and younger brother Craig.  Arthur worked as a meat cutter while Winnie was a homemaker.

After graduating from South Gate High School in 1968, Steve attended the University of Southern California, where he majored in History and was a member of the Theta Xi fraternity.  During his senior year, he met fellow student Michele Duclon.  They married on April 13, 1973.

In December 1973, Steve and Michele came to faith in Christ during the “Jesus Movement” evangelistic meetings being held by Pastor Chuck Smith and others in Costa Mesa, California.  Their faith in Jesus Christ became the cornerstone of their lives, their marriage, and their family.

Steve had added a teaching credential to his bachelor’s degree and graduated from USC in 1973.  During and after college, he worked at Disneyland and rose to become a restaurant manager within the park.  Their first two children (Matthew Steven and Jennifer Michele) were born during this period.

Steve and Michele moved their family in 1980 to McKinleyville, on the far northern “Redwood Coast” of California.  Steve worked primarily as a high school teacher at Arcata Christian School.  Their third child (Christiana Marie) was born during this period.

The family returned to southern California in 1983.  Steve taught for one more year at a Christian high school, but then got a job training new employees at a savings and loan.  From this position he transitioned to become an assistant branch manager, then branch manager, then regional manager for several savings and loans and banks.  Their fourth child (David Steven) was born during this period.

Throughout his life, Steve put the highest priority on living as a follower of Christ and on his role as husband and father.  He always made time for his children, and they had many adventures together.  Family life was marked by games, camping trips, sporting events (go Dodgers! go Trojans!), and more.  Most of all, Steve set an example as a man of prayer, as a generous friend, and in his faithful and mutual care for his wife Michele.

After retiring from the banking industry in 2007, Steve attended the Calvary Chapel School of Ministry.  He graduated in 2009 and was ordained a pastor.  Among other ministry work, he oversaw business aspects of church operations and also managed a project to release several definitive remastered boxed sets of classic Calvary Chapel Music recordings.  Steve loved to direct his worship to God in the form of music, and he was particularly proud of this work.

Steve and Michele moved around this time to Franklin, Tennessee, and eventually fully retired.  They continued to be devoted to their children, grandchildren, church, and friends.

Steve is survived by his wife Michele; children Matthew (Laura), Jenn (Jeff), Christi (Josh), and David; grandchildren Eddie, Samuel, Isaac, Sophia, Nathan, Elsie, and Ella; brothers Mark (Nancy) and Craig (Cheryl); along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and countless friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Winnie.

A memorial service will be held at 2pm on July 22, 2023, at Stonebridge Bible Church in Franklin TN.  A second memorial service will be held in the fall at Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa CA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to CaringBridge, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.