Reynaldo Puangco

June 1, 1955 — March 22, 2025

Reynaldo “Rey” Puangco, 69, of Streamwood, IL passed away at home with his loving family surrounding him on March 22, 2025. Rey was born on June 1, 1955 in the Philippines to his parents, Jose and Milagros Puangco. He was the second eldest of 7 children. In his younger years, Rey was shy, played the guitar, and listened to music with his friends.

Since a young age, it was important to Rey to take care of his family. He worked a short stint in Saudi Arabia as a driver in order to help his parents pay for their home in Manila. In 1991, Rey, his siblings, and son Reygie, moved to the United States and began their next chapter in Chicago and eventually settled in Skokie, IL. He worked nights at Solo Cup, and in 2001, Rey met the love of his life, Cynthia. They were married a year later.

To Rey, family was everything. His brothers were his best friends, and there wasn’t a weekend that went by where he wasn’t spending time with his brothers and sisters, many nieces and nephews, son and grandchildren at family gatherings or celebrations. Nothing brought him more joy than being a Lolo to his grandchildren, Maddix and Bennett, who he loved dearly. He was very active in their lives, taking care of each of them weekly and keeping them entertained with fun around the house and garden.

In addition to his deep love for his family, Rey enjoyed the simple things in life: cooking and eating delicious food, singing karaoke, spending time in his garden with Cynthia and going for walks together in the early cold spring weather, without a jacket while wearing slippers. He had a special connection to nature and animals that created a sense of awe and wonder in those who got to witness this side of him. He had many pets over the years, including fish, dogs, bunnies, hamsters and even a deer. Those who knew Rey, know that he was tender and childlike. There was one year he befriended a lost fawn that wandered into his yard. Rey named the fawn, Bambi, and would provide her with food. Soon, Bambi came to trust Rey and they developed a special bond that lasted for a long time.

Rey delighted in the joy of connecting with animals and people, in which he found amusement and companionship. So much so that he was known to share random videos of unique birds chirping in his yard alongside loud, humorous videos of his grandchildren playing. Rey lived for his family, good times, laughter, and lighthearted conversation. Through Rey’s spirit, we will cherish the memories we had with him and ensure he lives on in the stories we tell. He will be deeply missed.

Rey is survived by his loving wife, Cynthia (nee Udani) Puangco, son and daughter-in-law, Reygie and Jenna Puangco, grandchildren Maddix, Bennett and Marley, siblings Teresita Puangco, Concepcion DeGuia (Hernando), Jojo (Lynn), Jun (Maila) and Edgar (Alice) Puangco, and many adoring nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jose and Milagros, and his eldest sister, Marilou Puangco.

Visitation Thursday, March 27 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm at Countryside Funeral Home and Crematory 1640 S. Greenmeadows Blvd. (at Barrington Rd.), Streamwood/Schaumburg. Funeral Friday 9:45am at the funeral home to St. John the Evangelist Church. Mass 10:30am. Interment St. Michael Cemetery. Info (630)289-8054

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Reynaldo Puangco, please visit our flower store.

Send a Card