Gregorio And Curie Catuncan

Gregorio Catuncan, passed away on July 13, 2024, at the age of 90 in Orlando, Florida. Born on July 3, 1934, in Manila, Philippines to Pedro and Nieves Catuncan with his brother, Pedro Catuncan, Jr (deceased) and sister, Milagros Catuncan Costa. He was a respected member of his community and a loving figure within his family.


Gregorio pursued higher education at the Mapua Institute of Technology in Manila, which laid the foundation for his future achievements and contributions, later working at General Electric and Chicago Transit Authority as an electrical engineer. His life was characterized by a deep commitment to his family, church and his work, which earned him the respect and admiration of those who knew him.


He loved ham radio along with building and flying model airplanes, helicopters and drones. He was an active member in various Ham/Amateur Radio clubs in the Philippines, Chicago, and Orlando. He was a certified Ham radio broadcaster and loved to communicate in Morse code and different ciphers. He had a passion for world history and the military and would often be found reading books or watching documentaries/movies about these topics.


Gregorio's life was marked by his dedication to his family and his unwavering spirit. His legacy will continue to live on through his children and the many lives he touched. His family and friends will remember him fondly and miss him deeply.



Curie Catuncan, aged 84, passed away on July 21, 2024, in Orlando, FL. Born on April 21, 1940, in Baler, Quezon, Philippines to Jesse and Rebecca Penaloza with her sisters: Athena Penaloza Guererro, Eterna Penaloza Lewis (deceased) and Jean Penaloza Angara (deceased), Marlene Penaloza Diaz and her brothers: David Penaloza (deceased) and Edison Penaloza (deceased). Curie pursued her passion for helping caring for others others at St. Luke's School of Nursing, which laid the foundation for her lifelong dedication to nursing. Her commitment to care and comfort left a lasting impact on her colleagues and those she cared for. She worked for Cook County Hospital in Chicago, Illinois until she retired in 1997.


Curie loved to garden and her favorite greenery was growing and taking care of orchids. An active member of the American Orchid Society. She also loved collecting Barbie dolls and sewing clothes for them. She loved to collect Lladro, Hummel, and various expensive collectibles. Her favorite artist was Thomas Kincaid and she has many of his paintings.


Curie's kindness, dedication, and nurturing spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all the lives she touched.


They first met when Gregorio’s father was hospitalized at the St. Lukes School of Nursing hospital, where Curie was a student nurse. Soon after dating and falling in love, they married on May 22, 1962 in the Philippines. Tito, Francisco, Melchor, and Gregory were born in the Philippines and Angelita was born in Chicago, Illinois. In 1973 the family immigrated to Chicago, Illinois and moved to the suburb of Bollingbrook in 1974.


They were active with the Filipino Friendship Society of Bolingbrook and members of the Charismatic Group of Lombard. After they retired to Orlando, FL in 2003, they were members of the St. Joseph’s Filipino choir, Filipino American Club, and Bayanihan at Wedgefield.


They contributed their time and dedication to various churches, veteran organizations, monasteries, school functions, fundraisers, and special interest groups.


They loved to go to social gatherings, ballroom dancing and traveling the globe with friends and family.


Sometimes they loved to combine their hobbies and interests: Curie needed an easy way to easily manage and water the more sensitive orchids, Greg then designed a piping and shelf system to organize and keep it hydrated. Curie often repaired and redesigned outfits for Greg’s military action figures that he would parachute from rockets.


The wonderful and loving couple are survived by their beloved family: Tito and wife Tess: Tito Jr. and Maritess Catuncan Hing; Francisco and wife Lidia: Jessica Catuncan Czader, Nicolas Catuncan; Angelita and husband Victor Alzona: Alexander and Isabella Alzona; Melchor, and Gregory Catuncan.



The love they gave and shared with their family, friends, and acquaintances, will surely be missed. We love you!