Nick Puno

Nick Puno

Nick Puno From Santi Puno: One day, Lolo called me into his area. The area that belonged to him and only him; a place no other human being had the right to sit. Yes, this is at the head of the table right next to our beloved Lola. Being a naughty three year old, I thought that I was in trouble, but how does one say no to Lolo Carding. So with my head held down, I walked towards him. When I finally reached him, Lolo said to me: “Santi, I know that I am your favorite Lolo, and you know that you are my favorite great grandchild (this however is something that he told everyone). So whenever I see you and you give me my biiiiiiiiiiiig hug, you must say I love my Lolo and I will say I love my Santi. This will be our little secret” For the next twelve years, whenever I would see Lolo we would say this to each other. Even while he was in the hospital, every hello and goodbye I would whisper to him, “I love my Lolo.” Lolo Carding was a lot of things to a lot of people. To me, however, he was and will always be the person who taught me what it meant to be a family man. The one who stood up at my baptism in front of everyone and exclaimed “Lauro”, while the priest was asking “what is the name of this child?” which is why I am Romano Santino Lauro. And the man who gave me these words: “For some, greatness happens with one major moment. For others, it is a lot of minor moments. This is why at every point of our lives, we must strive for greatness.” I Love You Lolo! I’ll see you soon. Don’t forget, you still owe me a biiiiig hug and an “I love my Santi.”

Nick Puno From Rinna Puno-Levett: I grew up seeing Justice Ricardo C. Puno Sr.'s plaques, certificates, awards, letters from and photos with the most prominent people in modern Philippine history on his home and office walls. I know he was many things to other people. To me, however, he was the most loving and thoughtful grandfather any one could ever have, my Lolo Carding. Though we surpass a hundred in our family, Lolo has made each of us feel like his favorite. He was the Lolo who halted a meeting after seeing me take a quick peek through the window- he had me called in to give him a kiss on the cheek. He was the one who sat beside me on the couch to ask about my love life, and after I got engaged, demanded a formal interview with Lee. He had always indulged my unplanned visits to his office, sweetly asking me,"So...what can you do for me today?" He rejoiced just as much when I told him I wanted to become a teacher instead of a doctor, expressing that finally, someone had followed his footsteps. Until today, I cannot fathom how he had deemed me an equal-him being an esteemed professor of law, and I a preschool teacher. And the hugs... those tight hugs that go on until he is "busog" (full/satisfied). I don't think any of us grandchildren and great grandchildren would ever forget those. I cannot be more grateful that technology had allowed my family and I to be with our beloved Lolo Carding in his final days. We sang to him, prayed over him, and just talked with him. One of the things I kept on telling Lolo is that it was he who taught us all how to pray and that alone, I am certain, pleases the Lord to no end. Lolo had made praying the rosary a norm in our family. I cannot count the times I have sought refuge in prayer during tough times. It was whilst in prayer that my Lolo Carding passed on to his eternal home today- a whole family praying the rosary the way he had taught us all. Rejoice in the company of your Heavenly Father and your loved ones who had gone before you, Lolo Carding. Please save big warm hugs for us for when we meet again. I cannot say it enough... I love you soooo very much. ❤️

Arlington Memorial Chapels