JERSEY CITY, NEW JERSEY – The widow of Jersey City Police Officer Noel Santiago, Jr. has established a GoFundMe campaign in order to carry out her late husband’s wish that “his family was taken care of.”
On March 2, Santiago, Jr. lost his courageous fight against illness. He was only 43 years old.
Together with his wife Stephanie and his three sons, ages four, two, and one, Santiago is survived by “so many family members, friends, and brothers and sisters in blue.”
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In her post on the GoFundMe page, Stephanie writes, “To know Noel was to adore him.” Because of his pleasant demeanor, generous character, and witty banter, he was able to form friendships with virtually everyone he met.
Stephanie stated that Santiago’s calling was to be a police officer, and she added that “he always made himself available to anyone who needed help or a listening ear.”
She said that when she asked him why he did not display the many honors and awards he received throughout his career, he responded that he did not do the work for the recognition.
She also said that when she asked him why he did not display the many honors and awards he received during his career, he said that he was a protector of all.
Stephanie shared that Santiago never stopped believing that he would be able to beat cancer, and she recalled that he was in the midst of treatment when their youngest child was born.
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At the time, he told the doctor, “You Better Reschedule My Appointments on the day my child is born, but I will be back the next day to continue to fight!” Stephanie said that Santiago never stopped believing that he would be able to beat cancer.
It was important to him to be present for his family, so he fought his cancer with every ounce of willpower and might he possessed.
As of the time that this article was published, there have been 75 donations made.
