A GoFundMe page has been started for the family of late Jersey City Police Officer Noel Santiago, Jr., who died from cancer last week.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
The page, started earlier today by Stephanie Santiago, Noel’s widow, and has a goal of $100,000. As of 6:30 p.m. this evening, the campaign had already raised $10,620.
“Jersey City Police Officer Noel Santiago Jr. lost his battle with cancer on March 24, 2023, at the young age of 43. He is missed dearly and survived by his wife, three small boys; ages 4, 2 and 1 year along with so many family, friends, and brothers and sisters in blue to mention,” she wrote in the page description.
“To know Noel was to love him. He built friendships with almost everyone who he came in contact with because of his kind spirit, generous nature, and witty banter. He always made himself available to anyone who needed help or a listening ear; he was a protector to all. For these reasons and so many others, being a police officer was Noel’s calling.”
She continued that despite receiving many awards and accolades throughout his over 17-year career in law enforcement, which also included stints as a Hudson County corrections and sheriff’s officer, he did not put them on display in their home.
Furthermore, Stephanie Santiago pointed out that while Noel never thought he’d be a father, he ended up having three sons who looked at him as their hero.
“When our youngest son was born, he was in the middle of cancer treatments and he told the doctors ‘You Better Reschedule My Appointments on the day my child is born, but I will be back the next day to continue to fight!’ And he did,” she recalled.
“He fought his cancer with every ounce of will and strength he had and it was all so he could be there for his family …As his wife, I thank you from the bottom of my broken heart for your generosity in honoring Noel and helping me carry out his wishes for our family.”
The Jersey City Police Officers Benevolent Association announced Noel Santiago, Jr.’s passing over the weekend.
