Joseph J. Santercier, age 83, went home to be with his Lord, Jesus Christ August 13, 2025. Joseph was born on June 12, 1942 in Chicago, IIIinois and was preceded in death by his parents, Rocco R. and Dorothy J. Santercier (nee Gannon). Joseph married Jo Ann Looby, the love of his life, on November 6, 1970. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, their daughter, Jill Anne Santercier, son-in-law, Mark Root, grandchildren, Hannah and Gannon. He graduated from Oak Park River Forest High School in 1960 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserve in a Seabee Unit, having served six years and was on active duty in Cuba, Bermuda and the U.S. Virgin Islands from 1961-1963, in Mobile Construction Battalion, NMCB8. He attended Wright Jr. College and Southern Illinois University, graduating in 1969 with a BA in Sociology. While at SIU, he was one of the founding members and first president of the Veterans Corporation SIU founded in 1966. This organization was established on campus by veterans to help assist new arriving veterans, many returning from Vietnam. In 1970, Joseph joined the Illinois Bureau of Investigation as a Special Agent. In 1977, the IBI was merged with the Illinois State Police and Joseph retired in 1993 as an Investigative Sergeant. During his service he was one of the founding members of the International Outlaw Motorcycle Gang Investigators Association, the Midwest Gang Investigators Association and the Midwest Cycle Intelligence Organization. He was an active trainer and instructor during his law enforcement career, receiving numerous awards and training in the U.S. and Canada. In 1993 he was a Bicycle Patrol Officer for Kane County Forest Preserve Police. In 1997, was hired as a Criminal Intelligence Analyst for the Illinois State Police, in Elgin, for the Northern Illinois Resource Support Center. In 2001, Joseph joined the Northeast Multi-Regional Training, Inc., as a Program Manager and retired in 2015. Joseph was a life-time member of Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #41 and the Midwest Gangs Investigators Association, Joseph attended Fox Valley Church.
Visitation will be on Sunday, August 24, 2025 from 1-5pm at DeFiore Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee-Huntley Rd, Huntley, Illinois. A second visitation will be on Monday, August 25, 2025 from 10am-11am with a service at 11am at the funeral home. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to: Compassion International
Colorado Springs, CO 80997 https://www.compassion.com/donate-to-charity.htm
For further information please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
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Pasquale........Gonna miss ya Buddy.
I shared many laughs and stories over the years working on IOMGIA with Joe! RIP - you are a legend!
Rest in peace, brother. It’s been many years since I last saw you, but you were always a great guy. The last time was at an evangelical conference, so I know that you know your destination.
God speed brother. You were the best. I spent many hours working cases with you. You were the best
Enjoyed our conversations over the past couple of years. Thanks for all the SEABEE stuff. I wear the hats a shirts all the time! I will see you in our eternal home!
Will never forget small bones and all the fun we had as kids you were the king Neptune that disappeared every week under the water. Our family will miss you the Gannon‘s.
So sorry to hear of your loss. Joe was a good man and was a family man. Know he is no longer suffering or hurting.
Joe was a great man and mentor. He loved debating eschatology and I enjoyed our discussions and debates during weekly breakfasts immensely. He will be missed. There is no question he is with Jesus now.
I'm not sure about four and a half years ago when I first started coming to Fox Valley Church he was one of my biggest mentors I enjoyed talking to him all the time we had many length long conversations biblical ones he was an inspiration bring me to The Men's breakfast every Wednesday morning and Joe's going to really be missed by me enjoy having Joe that's what you wanted
God speed Joe. You were a pro’s pro in L.E. Always willing to help out a fellow LEO throughout a great career. I enjoyed our get togethers in and around the Webb of Huntley. You will be missed. RIP. Condolences to your Wife and family.
I worked with Joe for a number of years in the Northern Intelligence Unit (NIA). Joe’s knowledge of outlaw biker gangs was internationally recognized. His surveillance and observational skills were at the top of those with whom I worked. That said, his rebellious attitude and sense of humor made him one of the guys I most admired and respected. Joe joins NIA alum, Larry Casey, Chuck McKissack, Bruce Brown, and Leo Delgrosso with his passing. May their spirits be reunited and rewarded for being the men they were and the excellent work they did.
Godspeed, Joe. Your humor, insights and dedication to your numerous jobs in law enforcement and training made you a cop's cop. You will be sorely missed, but we know your destination is the best of all places.
Knowing Joe for over 30 years was an honor. He was a man of great faith, and a no nonsense straight shooter. He was a mentor to countless people through his life and will be missed by all. Joe taught me a lot and I loved the old friend. Steve Trethewy
I had the privilege of knowing Joe since 1977. He was a real class act and was respected and admired by all of us who worked with him. He was a great investigator and h he was truly an acknowledged expert in several specialized areas. My condolences to his family he will be remembered in my prayers.
So sorry to learn of Joes passing! We have many wonderful memories from the IBI years and those after with Larry and their investigation company! My prayer and thoughts are with JoAnn and his family! Peace and love . Suzanne
My sincere condolences to the Joanne, Jill Mark and family and the entire Santercier family . I worked with him in the MCIO family & our time spent.
You were a special privledge for us know one of God's angels on earth..........you will be missed very much!!!!!!!!
A truely incredible guy who touched our hearts.
Joe You gave of yourself for so many others in so many ways. Now enter the home that God has prepared for you and be blessed.
Joe thank you for the words of wisdom and encouragement you give it to me everytime I take care of you. Thank you to the family for the trust and confidence in me. Rest in peace Joe I know your happy where you are now. 🙏🙏🙏
Will never forget Joe's engaging smile and big personality whenever I spoke to him! Always helpful and such a great resource as I navigated gang intelligence for suburban Chicago. Rest peacefully knowing you will always be remembered by the young investigators you shared your vast experience with !