William E. Santie

William “Will” “Bill” “Billy” “Willie” Santie, 57, of Downers Grove, Illinois, passed away on August 28, 2026, after an incredibly courageous 18-month battle with advanced stage lung cancer. Throughout his illness, Will faced each day with the same strength, determination, stubbornness, and unmistakable sense of humor that defined the way he lived his life.

Born in Chicago and raised in Cicero, Illinois, Will never forgot where he came from. He grew up surrounded by a close-knit group of friends from “the neighborhood,” where friendships were formed that would last a lifetime and where enough stories were created to keep everyone laughing for years to come. Those lifelong friendships meant the world to Will. He was intentional about the people in his life, and the remarkable number of close friends he carried with him through the years is a testament to the kind of person he was.

Will shared 29 wonderful years with his wife, Cathy. When Will and Cathy first began dating, Cathy’s children were just nine and seven years old. Will never hesitated to step into their lives. He loved and considered them his own, standing beside them through the good times, the difficult times, and everything in between. Family was never defined by biology for Will. It was defined by showing up, loving fiercely, and being there when it mattered. And Will always showed up.

He was an incredible husband, father, son, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend, but perhaps no role brought him greater joy than being “Papa Hoolie.”

His grandchildren were truly his pride and joy. Will treasured his extended trips to Pennsylvania, where he could spend as much time with them as possible. He taught them how to fish, introduced them to pickleball and lacrosse, attended many Senators baseball and Hershey Bears hockey games, and made many trips to Hersheypark. Despite being terribly afraid of heights, Papa Hoolie still climbed aboard the rides and roller coasters because making his grandchildren happy mattered far more to him than his own fear.

And if there was a sporting event on the calendar, Papa Hoolie was there. He rarely missed a game or opportunity to cheer them on. The time he spent with his grandchildren—whether at a ballfield, on a pickleball court, fishing, walking around an amusement park, or simply being together—was among the greatest joys of his life.

Will also loved a good project, although “project” often became something much bigger once he got involved. He was happiest with a power tool in his hand and a problem to solve. Between his own home and his daughter’s home, there was seemingly nothing they couldn’t tackle together. Painting, electrical work, plumbing, woodworking, repairs, renovations, and countless miscellaneous projects became opportunities to spend time together.

Courtney will forever be grateful not only for everything her dad built and fixed, but for everything he taught her along the way. The skills he passed down to her (and the confidence that, together, they could figure out just about anything) will remain one of the many pieces of him she carries forward.

Sports were another constant throughout Will’s life. He was a devoted Chicago sports fan who proudly cheered for the Bears, Cubs, and Blackhawks. He loved lacrosse and played goalie in a local men’s league, and, in recent years, he developed a love for pickleball.

But some of Will’s greatest contributions to sports happened while wearing stripes. For many years, Will was a pillar of the IHSA officiating community, working as a lacrosse, basketball, and softball official. Officiating was far more than a pastime to him. He genuinely loved being involved with young athletes and giving back to the sports community.

Lacrosse held an especially important place in his heart. Over the years, Will officiated thousands of games at both the high school and collegiate levels. He approached every game with passion, integrity, and a deep respect for the sport, its athletes, coaches, and fellow officials. In 2023, his dedication was recognized when he was named the IHSA Boys Lacrosse Official of the Year, an honor that reflected the enormous impact he had on the lacrosse and officiating communities.

To know Will was to know someone unforgettable. He was stubborn, famously so, but he was also the kind of stand-up man who would give someone the shirt off his back without thinking twice. He was outgoing, easy to talk to, funny, sarcastic, loyal, generous, and always willing to lend a hand. Whether someone needed advice, help with a project, a referee, a friend, or simply someone to talk to, Will was there. He loved people, and people loved him.

Will was also a devoted animal lover. His dogs, Sadie and Buddy, were treasured members of his family, and he loved taking them on seemingly endless walks to the park. They will miss him dearly. His family finds comfort imagining that two of his other beloved dogs, Kodi Bear and Baby, were waiting for him at the gates of Heaven, ready to welcome him home.

Will is survived by his loving wife, Cathy Santie; daughter, Courtney Meehan (Keith); stepson, Corey Sinkuler; beloved grandchildren, Aidan, Kennedy, and Finn Meehan, and Trevor Doherty; mother, Georgiann Santie; brother, John Santie; and nephew, Matthew Santie.

He was preceded in death by his beloved grandmother, Crystal Horvath, and sister-in-law, Debbie Santie.

Will touched more lives than he could ever have known. Through his kindness, generosity, humor, loyalty, and extraordinary strength, he left a lasting mark on his family, his friends, the athletes he encouraged, the officials he mentored, and the countless people fortunate enough to cross his path.

His family is endlessly grateful for every lesson he taught, every project he completed, every game he attended, every story he told, every sarcastic comment that made them laugh, every conversation, every walk, every trip, and every ordinary moment that has now become an extraordinary memory.

Cancer may have taken Will far too soon, but it could never take away the life he built, the people he influenced, or the love he gave so freely.

His lessons will live on in the things his family builds. His passion will live on every time a whistle blows on a lacrosse field. His stories will live on among his friends from “the neighborhood” and the many other friendships he made throughout his life. Papa Hoolie will live on in the hearts of his grandchildren who knew, without question, just how deeply their grandfather loved them.

Will was an incredible man, son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, official, teammate, and friend.

He showed up. He helped. He taught. He laughed. He loved fiercely. And he will be missed more than words could ever adequately express.

All funeral services will remain private for the Santie Family.  Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Russo’s Hillside Chapels. For additional information please call 708-449-5300. Please share a remembrance or condolence on William’s Tribute Wall/Guestbook found on the tab above.

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