Arsenio & Marcela Dizon

Arsenio Silao Dizon (January 24, 1928 – November 15, 2025) and Marcela Paez Andres (June 19, 1928 – April 25, 2020)

Arsenio Dizon was a beloved and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle during his incredible 97 years of life. Arsenio passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on November 15,2025. Arsing, as he was fondly called by loved ones was born on January 24,1928 in Guimba, Nueva Ecija, Philippines. Arsenio was the seventh child of Feliciana Silao Dizon and Marcelino Dizon. Arsenio grew up with his 10 brothers & sisters in their beloved hometown of Guimba, Nueva Ecija.

During World War II at the tender age of 16 years, Arsenio served in active military service in the Luzon Guerrilla Army Forces, United States Forces from November12,1942-1945. Years later, on October 25, 2017, Arsenio received the Congressional Gold Medal, which was awarded to Filipino World War II veterans for their valor and duty to country. It is the highest civilian award given by the U.S. Congress in recognition their heroic sacrifice and patriotic service

Arsenio graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.E) in 1950. Thereafter, he taught History & Social Studies at Davao College. Arsenio met the love of his life Marcela Andres at the college where they both taught. Arsenio claimed it was love at first sight.

Marcela Paez Andres was born on June 19,1928 in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, Philippines. Marcela was the youngest of five children of Dominga Paez Andres and Cipriano Andres. Marcela obtained her Bachelor of Science in Education from Far Eastern University, Manila in early 1951. Soon after, she was offered a teaching job at Davao College where she would meet her “Mr. Right” and future husband. Professionally, Marcela was known for her dedicated work with children. Her kind nature and hardworking spirit left a lasting impression on those she met. Marcela was a beacon of grace, humility and kindness, touching all who knew her.

Arsenio and Marcela were married on October 3,1951 and later returned to Guimba to start their lives together. Soon they were blessed with the births of Jennifer in 1953, Ferdinand in 1955 & Cynthia in 1957. During this time, Arsenio joined the Mason Brotherhood Organization as it was in his DNA to serve & support his fellow man. Another passion of Arsenio was to become a lawyer. To this end, Arsenio moved his family to Manila to study law while he worked part-time in the Police Dept. On February 20,1961 Carminda their youngest daughter was born. Later that year, Arsenio earned his law degree from Far Eastern University and had a successful Law Practice at Filipinas Cement.

In 1972, Arsenio & family moved to the United States to pursue the American dream. They settled in New Yok where both had fulfilling and stable careers. Their lives were blessed further and enriched by their grandchildren: Christopher, Jennifer Marie, Christian, Diana, Jillian, Julyn, Curtis, Joslyn, Coco, Wyatt & Sierra, and great grandchildren: Jaiden, Mateo, Alessandro, Benno, Jaxon, Joschi, Harper, Mila & Julen. Arsenio & Marcela fostered close family ties & treasured family reunions.

Arsenio and Marcela retired in 1995 and relocated to Mays Landing, New Jersey where they made a lot of friends who enjoyed dining out, music, dancing and let us not forget Bingo Nights & lucky slot machines. What else do retirees in Atlantic City do? Many wonderful memories were made and shared in Mays Landing but failing health made it necessary to relocate once again.

Arsenio and Marcela and their children maintained a close relationship with his siblings’ families by coming to the Dizon Family Reunions every two years. At these gatherings, Arsenio always stirred joy and laughter with his entertaining rendition of Filipino love songs, and his delightful dance moves with Marcela. They adored their children and grandchildren, always finding time to be with them. Among Arsenio’s enjoyable pastimes is playing chess with son Ferdinand.

In 2015, Arsenio & Marcela moved back to Long Island, New York to be closer to families. April 25,2020 Our Lord called Marcela to his Heavenly Kingdom.

We will miss both dearly, but we are grateful for all the time we did have. We will always feel their presence in our hearts.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects and celebrate Arsenio’s and Marcela’s lives at Towers Funeral Home on December 11, 2025, from 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm.