The most amazing thing for a family is to be able to look back and have a collection of beautiful memories. They can be the memories of an elaborate moment, or just daily life little things that will always connect you...
I am so thankful for the warm memories I have from Jeff and your family, he was such a kind person.
May God continue to bless you all and help you during this moment.
May the great memories help the heart heal.
Sending our love 
Mariana Ovalle and family

I reconnected with Jeff in 1988 or so  in Manhattan Beach, Ca and then again in 2010 on FB.  He had a wicked sense of humor and was  relentless in teasing his friends from EMU whenever we all got together.  He loved his Daughter very much and was devoted to her.

Around 2015 Jeff came to my house in Orange County and met my Wife, Michelle.  Steve and Stacey Smith and Alison and Walt White were there and we all wanted to meet up.  Jeff didn't stay long and missed Dan MClory by just a few minutes but over all it was a great visit.  Jeff and I went to see the EMU Girls Track run at Mt. SAC Relays around the same time and met up with Sue Parks for dinner.   Jeff was amazed that Sue drank 4 beers.  Haha!  It was a long dinner.
Godspeed to you Jeff.  you are one of the good ones and the world is a little dimmer without you.  Tell Coach Parks I said hello and I will be thinking of you today.   Take care my Friend.

As a friend to his son and family, I knew him as Mr. Cekovich. When I think of him, I think of the kindness and generosity he showed to me throughout my childhood. He welcomed me into his home and it is there I had some of my fondest memories. Whether it was a ride home from school or an extra sandwich for lunch, Mr. Cekovich’s acts of kindness added up and left an impression on my life. In hindsight, his kindness and generosity also extended towards my Mom. As a single mother, she often had to work overtime with few childcare options or help available. Without the Cekovich household, I would have spent many days alone. The time at his home in the company of his family meant a lot to me as a young child without many people to rely on. It was a home away from home, and for that, I am truly grateful. On behalf of myself and mother Nora, we extend our sincerest, heartfelt condolences to his family. Mr. Cekovich will be missed by all fortunate enough to have met and known him.  

Jeff was my first friend when I arrived in the United States in 1978 at the University of Michigan as an exchange student. Later on I moved to Indianapolis and he went to visit my american family and took me to meet his family in Ohio.  He was so kind and our  friendship continued even when I returned to Brazil. 20 years later we exchanged our daughters so that they could live the same experience we had. Now you Jennifer and Mariana need to continue with your children so that our families will always be together.  I thank God that I met Jeff, he is part of our life! God bless all your family!

Thoughts and prayers to your family. Jeff was a very special cousin. His love and dedication to family will be greatly missed. Heaven has gained a very special Angel

Jeff was my friend. I could talk with him about anything that bothered me.  He was respected and valued  by all his friends. I can think of no greater honor to remember him for who he was. My friend. Thank you Jeff.  Chuck Resing. 

Teenagers when we first met, roommates, later relocating across the country working for DCFS and a few of those years my supervisor, through it all my friend. I will remember how you  deeply cared about people. It seemed to always come to, what could you do to make them feel better. It was not uncommon for you to puts others first. Wanting nothing in return, it was just Jeff. We were all better for you and sadder without. I will alway remember the many nights laughing to the point of tears.  My thoughts, prayers to you and your family.
Mark

Jeff was The big brother I never had. We both liked the movie, it’s a Wonderful Life. The theme of that movie as you know, is that one persons life is very important and had they not been here on earth with us they would have left quite a big hole. Jeff filled that hole in my life. He introduced me to my wife, let me borrow his jacket and car for our first date. I had no game, he saw that and literally had to play match maker. But for him, no wife, kids or grandkids. But also no belly laughs that hurt so much the next day my stomach felt like i did crunches. He never forgot his friends, I visited with jeff in East Liverpool, we knocked on the doors of the parents of childhood friends and walked in Like jeff just saw them yesterday and ate milk and cookies just as if the parent’s son had just come home. He did not reminisce as much as REALLY value old friendships the way they were valued/revered in the first half of the 20th century. This is hard to find and come by these days.One of his childhood friends got sick and in a nursing home,  most all the people in his life disappeared but not jeff. Jeff was there to be sure he was not alone. My best asset as a person is  a result of jeff rubbing off on me. As long as myself and other friends of Jeff are still around, he will never really stop having an impact in this world. He is part of us now. He made this world a better place. He chose a profession that made a difference. Jeff will be rewarded in heaven For how he helped all the children in his job. I am certain because of his Life’s work, Jeff is one who will see the face of God and He will look at Jeff and say, “Well done, kind and gentle servant.” 

OBITUARY

Jeffery D. Cekovich

July 30, 1957 – January 15, 2021

Pierce Brothers Crestlawn Memorial Park and Mortuary

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services