- OPM Singer Rico J. Puno dies at 65
- He underwent triple heart bypass in 2015, and had an angioplasty in December 2017, after which, he received a pacemaker.
- He was recently hospitalized for diabetes complications in early October 2018.
- Celebrities, fans mourn death of OPM legend Rico J. Puno
OPM Icon and comedian Rico J. Puno died of cardiac arrest, according to his daughter Tosca Camille Puno-Ramos. The veteran singer underwent open heart surgery in 2015. He underwent an angioplasty last December 2017 and recently got a new pacemaker.
Anna Puno, the singer’s sister-in-law, expressed shock after hearing news of Puno’s death.
“Numbed with grief, I would like to call on all entertainers in the OPM Industry as well as his worldwide fans to stop for a moment and say a prayer to one of the most respected singers in the country,” she said in an Instagram post.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bph6_PaFvp9/
“I cannot help but say it was serendipitous that Starmedia prepared a solo 40th Anniversary concert for him and a US tour with the OPM stalwarts and colleagues just recently. Little did I know that this is his final bow in the live entertainment world. We will forever miss the Total Entertainer…but his songs will forever be cherished in our hearts.”
Born Enrico de Jesus Puno, the music icon rose to fame in the 70s with hits like “May Bukas Pa,” “Kapalaran,” “Lupa,” “Macho Gwapito,” “Sorry Na Pwede Ba” and others.
He was set to return to the concert stage in a concert titled “Sana Tatlo Ang Puso Ko” with comediennes Marissa Sanchez and Giselle Sanchez on November 23. He was also seeking reelection as a Makati City councilor in the 2019 mid-term polls.
Celebrities and fans took to social media to mourn the death of OPM legend Rico J. Puno early Tuesday.
“Rest In Peace, Rico J. Puno. Your distinctive voice that lent itself to so much of the music of my childhood will not be forgotten.
To Tito Rico’s family, my deepest condolences.”
Rest In Peace, Rico J. Puno. Your distinctive voice that lent itself to so much of the music of my childhood will not be forgotten.
To Tito Rico’s family, my deepest condolences.
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) October 29, 2018
“R.I.P. Rico Puno. 🙏Shocked to hear about your sudden passing. We will always remember your beautiful songs and your unique way of interpreting them.”
https://twitter.com/zsazsapadilla/status/1057009341465673728
“This man was the reason I wanted to be a singer. His voice, his charm, wit and entertainment style has wowed millions of opm fans all over the globe. I am deeply saddened to hear that he has now joined our creator. More than being my idol, he was a dear friend. Everybody loved and adored the great Rico J. Puno. Rest now rico. The whole country applauds you for your contributions as a singer, and entertainer and as a public servant. #ricojpuno”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BpiGaY8nNpp/
“R.I.P Rico J Puno.
A kind and humble man. You will always be rememberd for the great music you blessed us with. If it wasn’t for your song “May Bukas Pa” I would not be where I am today.
Love and Prayers to family and friends 🙏🏻❤️”
https://twitter.com/BaileyMayNU/status/1057019537563021312
“Very very Sad news😔💔I’m still in shock,,,RIP Rico J.Puno 😢#OPMKing #RicoJPuno #corics #OPMmusic”
https://twitter.com/iamjessaz13/status/1057014658383568897
“Rest in His peace kapitan. I’m in total shock at this news. 😔💔😢🙏🏼”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BpiNx74lz7X/
“Nakakalungkot na balita, naalala ko pa Buhat ang unang awitin na inawit ko sa harap ng maraming tao. I was 6 years old. Maraming Salamat Rico J Puno 🙏🏻”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BpiT2tSHqAo/
“#ricojpuno we will miss you! Now that you are in heaven, behave! We love you! @starmediaentertainment”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BpiHjqtApn0/
