Michael “Saint” Santillo, of Gilbertsville, Pennsylvania, beloved husband of Jessica A. (Hughey) Santillo, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. His sudden loss leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Born September 29,1965 in Norristown, Mike was the devoted son of Catherine (Kelly) Santillo and the late Francis Santillo. From an early age, Mike lived with passion, a great sense of humor, loyalty, and an unwavering commitment to other qualities that defined both his personal and professional life.
Mike was a graduate of Bishop Kenrick High School Class of 1984. He attended Canisius College (1984–1985) and Villanova University (1985–1986) and earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Delaware Valley University in 1990.
Michael spent the majority of his professional career with FedEx Express Corporation, where he proudly served as a Business Solutions Advisor since 1998. Mike was respected for his leadership, dedication, and genuine care for people. Outside of work, Mike’s true calling was coaching. Football was not just a sport to him, it was a way to mentor, inspire, and build young men’s character. For nearly his entire adult life, Mike devoted his heart to coaching, particularly the offensive line, at Bishop Kenrick, Harriton High School, Kennedy-Kenrick, Pope John Paul II High School, Norristown High School, Pottstown High School, and the Boyertown Optimist program. Earlier in life, he also coached CYO sports, sharing his love of athletics and teamwork with countless young athletes.
Mike was also an accomplished athlete himself. He played college football at Canisius University and Villanova University before completing his collegiate career at Delaware Valley University, where he graduated and set several school kicking records achievements he mentioned humbly, if at all.
Above all else, Mike was a devoted husband and an incredibly proud father. He cherished his role as “Dad” to his beloved son, Jackson, and poured endless love, guidance, and encouragement into his family. He is survived by his loving wife Jessica; his son Jackson; his mother Catherine; his siblings Dr. Karen Fiorillo (Dr. Timothy), Eileen Crouch (Scott), and Steven Santillo (Colleen); his uncle Richard Santillo (Carole); many nieces and nephews, and his beloved canine companion, Pepper.
Mike will be remembered for his strength, generosity, quick wit, and the unshakable faith and loyalty he brought to every relationship. His impact lives on through the many lives he touched as a coach, mentor, colleague, husband, father, son, brother, and friend. "Cheers to a well-coached life, Saint!"
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Teresa of Calcutta Church, 256 Swamp Pike, Schwenksville, PA 19473. Visitation will be held at the church on Tuesday from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mike’s memory to Coaches vs. Cancer by going to Coaches vs. Cancer – National Association of Basketball Coaches honoring his lifelong dedication to coaching, mentorship, and service to others.