Saint Viator High School Mourns The Passing Of Former Head Football Coach Joe Gliwa

Gliwa’s legacy spans decades of athletic achievement and deep family devotion.

July 23, 2026

This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on July 23, 2026

Joe Gliwa’s peaceful death at home closes a life of dedication and leadership. Community gathers to honor Joe Gliwa’s life following his death at age 88.

Joseph G. “Joe” Gliwa, Jr. left an indelible mark on high school athletics throughout the Northwest suburbs of Chicago.

A gifted athlete turned influential coach, Joe began his journey on the football field as an All-State running back at Holy Trinity High School in Chicago.

Though his dream school, Notre Dame, turned him away, Joe went on to attend Purdue University, where he proudly won all three games played against the Fighting Irish.

He later his Master’s Degree from Northern Illinois University, cementing both his academic and athletic legacies.

Joe began his coaching career at Holy Trinity and found his calling in mentoring young athletes.

In 1964, he accepted the head football coaching position at Saint Viator High School, leading the program to its first-ever football championship in 1969.

He compiled a 47-22-2 record during his tenure there before taking on the head coaching role at Hersey High School.

Under his leadership, Hersey won six Mid-Suburban League titles and gained recognition as a local powerhouse.

Joe was honored as Coach of the Year five times and finished his head coaching career with a record of 134-93-2.

Beyond football, he also coached wrestling, baseball, and golf—his golf teams won more than 40 straight dual meets.

After transitioning into administrative roles at Forest View and Prospect High School, Joe continued to shape athletic programs and support young athletes until his retirement in 1994.

Joe Gliwa’s Death Leaves a Profound Void in the Community

Joe Gliwa passed away peacefully at his home in Palatine on July 21, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was 88 years old and just weeks shy of his 89th birthday.

A fierce competitor and eternal optimist, Joe had battled heart problems since age 50. Despite undergoing numerous heart procedures—including a quadruple bypass—his enduring strength became a hallmark of his character.

“He was always a fighter and a champion, and he always came through it,” his daughter, Tracey Banville.

Joe is remembered not only for his coaching excellence but for his warmth, humility, and unwavering dedication to family.

He shared 69 wonderful years of marriage with his wife, Barbara, and was a loving father to Tracey and Jo Ann, grandfather to five, and great-grandfather to four—with a fifth great-grandchild expected soon.

Memorial Events for Joseph Gliwa (Source: legacy)

His passing has been deeply felt across the high school sports community.

Joe Gliwa was inducted into four prestigious halls of fame, including the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association and the Chicago Catholic League Hall of Fame, honoring his decades of impact.

Visitation for Joe will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Ahlgrim Family Funeral Home in Palatine.

A prayer service will follow on Friday, July 25 at 9:30 AM, with a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM at St. Thomas of Villanova Church. Entombment will take place at St. Adalbert Cemetery in Niles.

Joe Gliwa’s legacy lives on in every athlete he coached, every program he elevated, and every life he touched.

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