Jay Erwin

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Jay S. Erwin, 68, of Belleville, IL, born January 10, 1952, in East St. Louis, IL, died Sunday, July 12, 2020, at Memorial Hospital, Belleville, IL.

Jay worked in management for wholesale baking companies for more than 40 years before his retirement. He loved interacting with people and telling jokes, and never met a stranger.  Jay was a sports enthusiast and enjoyed softball, bowling, volleyball, and golf. One of his favorite pastimes was playing cards. He is now in heaven playing cards with his brothers-in-law, Dick and Bill.

He was preceded in death by his father, William “Alois” Erwin; his mother, Eileen, nee Wathern, Amelung; a beloved brother, William “Dicky” Erwin; and two brothers-in-law, Bill Santanello and Richard Santanello.

Surviving are his wife of 30 years Vickie S. Santanello, whom he married on June 21, 1990;
a daughter, Jennifer Bruns;
a son, SMSgt. Justin (Tabitha) Erwin;
three grandchildren, Tyler, Noah, and Madison;
two sisters, Charleen Nordsell-Glasgow,
and Maraleen (Richard Udale) Erwin;
brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Linda Erwin,
Bonnie Santanello, Brenda Santanello, Cathy Santanello,
Bob (Rita) Santanello, and Joe (Barb) Santanello;
and many nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Partners for Pets. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Funeral: A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

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5 Comments on Jay Erwin

Gloria Everest said : Guest Report Jul 19, 2020 at 12:06 PM

Favorite cousin jay, so many memories growing up. Always being mean to me and always wanted to go back and play some more. Once grown up,always kept in touch, always see him when I came back to town.loved his stories, jokes, and great since of humor, still cant believe he is gone. He is in heaven with his mom, dad. Brother, cousins, and aunts. He can tell his stories to them. They all love him as we all do. I will miss him and prayers to Vickie and his children. Just loved him!!

  • Tucson
  • Arizona
Kim Yoch Seiber said : Guest Report Jul 19, 2020 at 9:28 AM

Dave and I are so sad to see that Jay has died. He was such a lovable, thoughtful and funny guy. I will never forget a very exciting trip to visit Vickie and Jay in Buffalo. We went to Niagra Falls over and over. It was my favorite! You took me everywhere. And Jay was always so sweet and accommodating. Please accept our deepest sympathy, Vickie and Family. We can't imagine your grief at the loss of Sweet Jay.

  • Belleville
  • IL
Linda Nordsell Jones said : Guest Report Jul 19, 2020 at 6:53 AM

Uncle Jay always had a warm smile and a joke to share. He worked hard and played hard & made friends wherever he went. He loved his family and was so proud of Jenny and Justin his two children. We will eternally miss him.

  • Springdale
  • Arkansas
Terri Dambacher said : Guest Report Jul 19, 2020 at 2:01 AM

Still shocked Aunt Vickie! Hard to believe, but Uncle Jay will always be close in my heart! We always had fun whether playing Volleyball or playing games at a Santanello Party! He always had a joke to tell me or a found memory of my Dad! Prayers and Hugs to you !! Love Terri

  • Swansea
  • Il
Mary Siebert said : Guest Report Jul 18, 2020 at 7:40 PM

Vickie, sending you our sincere sympathy. Remembering fondly all the volleyball games we played together.

  • Belleville
  • Illinois

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