Cayetano N. Puzon, Sr

Cayetano N. Puzon, Sr., affectionately known to friends and family as “Tano,” went home to God on November 20, 2025, leaving behind a legacy filled with love, beauty and community. Born on August 7, 1937 in Bontoc, Mountain Province in northern Luzon, Philippines, Cayetano embarked on a remarkable 88-year journey that led him to the United States and a vibrant life enriched by family and friendships.

A highly skilled and experienced Master Jeweler, Cayetano learned the trade from his father and eventually opened his own jewelry shop in Baguio City, Philippines. He owned and operated the successful jewelry business for a decade before continuing his craft and relocating to Chicago, Illinois in 1966.

He initially worked for Henry Luebke Jewelers but then gained the attention of Hershon Diamond Remounts thanks to his skills. He eventually distinguished himself as that company’s best and fastest diamond setter. Inspired to forge his own path Cayetano recruited his sons Gregory and Carlito, to form Puzon Jewelers, Inc. His dream of a family business where he worked alongside his sons had become a reality. He formulated a national marketing plan, assisted by son Cayetano, Jr., that successfully attracted retail stores, including Carson Pirie Scott & Company and Whitehall Jewelers, as jewelry clients across the Midwest from Kansas to Kentucky. While his sons Gregory and Carlito joined him in the family jewelry business, becoming Master Jewelers in their own right, his other children, Sherrylyn and Cayetano, Jr., pursued careers in medicine to become a registered nurse and a podiatric surgeon, respectively. His eyes always sparkled when he spoke about his children and he never failed to be proud of each of their accomplishments.

Pursuing knowledge has always been a passion for Cayetano. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce, majoring in Banking and Finance, at Baguio Colleges in Baguio City, Philippines. His interest in real estate inspired him to purchase a three-story building in a prime Chicago location. The property served not only as a wise financial investment but also provided a home for his family…his real treasure.

Cayetano deeply loved his wife, Eliza L. Puzon, his college sweetheart and one-and-only tango partner. They were married on September 7, 1956 and enjoyed a life together for 69 years filled with family picnics, visits to the beach and time spent nurturing their four children: the late Gregory L. Puzon (Victoria), Sherrylyn P. Arboleda (Jose), Cayetano L. Puzon, Jr. (Jocelyn) and Carlito L. Puzon (Mildred). The brightness of his smile lives on in his grandchildren: V Puzon, Evangeline Puzon-Van Alstyne (Lewis), Edward Puzon (Jol), Jacqueline Arboleda, Jessica Arboleda-Sambo (Raymond), Alexandria Puzon (fiancé Alexander) and Vincent Puzon (fiancée Krista). His joy for life endures with his great grandchildren: Cameron, Lazo, Rio and another great grandchild on the way.

Cayetano’s outgoing nature, warmth and sharp wit attracted others to his circle, making him a beloved friend among the many groups he joined. He served as President of the La Union Club, participated in the Philippine Choral Society, was an active member in several organizations including the Tennis Club, Toastmasters Club and the Filipino-American Seniors Association of DuPage (FASADP). His leadership as a Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus was marked by compassion and dedication, earning him respect within the community he so dearly loved. He was a proud Ilocano and instilled that love for the Filipino culture in his children while also successfully embodying the American Dream.

Like the gems he worked with, his interests were multifaceted. He took pleasure in cooking delicious food for family and friends—like the 25-pound Thanksgiving turkey that barely made it into the oven and his signature lechon and chicharron. His culinary skills, inherited from his chef/restaurant owner father, were happily passed on to his children. He appreciated music as can be seen by his vast record collection that included favorites Frank Sinatra, Al Martino and Vikki Carr. And, he had a passion for singing, especially when it involved duets with his wife. Taping classic movie and TV shows on VHS cassettes became a favorite hobby and he would happily play a John Wayne western or Fred Astaire musical for anyone that asked. He enjoyed playing tennis, even winning a tournament or two. He loved to cultivate his mind on a variety of topics and owned hundreds of books to prove it. He was truly a renaissance man.

Cayetano was also known for his style and was often seen wearing impeccably tailored suits and beautiful ties during his career as a jeweler, sporty polo shirts and shorts while playing a tennis match and, more recently, colorful plaid shirts. But whatever he wore, he always had tucked away in his pocket a small comb, a toothpick and a piece of candy (to give to a lucky grandchild who might be nearby).

Those fortunate enough to have met him, or call him friend, were very lucky because to be in the presence of someone as generous, kind and wise as Cayetano is a rare and beautiful gift. Achingly, we miss him. But we take comfort in his memory, the many lessons he taught us by example and the beautiful family he left behind to carry on his legacy of kindness and wisdom. May he rest in love until we’re all together again.