San Juan, Dec 12 (EFE) - Papo Rosario, who was a singer for the Puerto Rican salsa group El Gran Combo for 38 years, died this Friday at the age of 78 due to health complications, six days after the death of the orchestra's former director, Rafael Ithier. According to a statement published on the Facebook page of Luis Antonio Rosario Concepción, the deceased's real name, "he has left to continue his dance in the sky." "He passed away surrounded by his entire family, with much love and with God in his heart," the Rosario family, led by his wife Ernie, children, and relatives, emphasized. "We thank you for the affection, companionship, and support you gave him during his life. We ask for space to be able to face this painful moment as a family," they added. Papo Rosario, born on April 4, 1947, began his musical career as a teenager while a student at Central High School in Santurce (San Juan), with the El Conjunto Alegre orchestra. After some time with this group, he was part of other orchestras such as Willie Rosario's, Tempo 74, and Continental Sextet. He then joined El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico on January 26, 1980, replacing choreographer Mike Ramos. Rosario formed one of the most solid vocal trios in the Caribbean salsa genre alongside Charlie Aponte and Jerry Rivas. Of the three, Rivas is the only one remaining in El Gran Combo. Rosario left the orchestra in 2017 as a result of an old back ailment for which he had to be operated on that year. It was later reported that he was suffering from cancer. Following his death, the artistic community, such as singer Johnny Rivera, has expressed their condolences. "We receive the departure of Papo Rosario with deep pain. Thank you for so many years of music, joy, and pride for Puerto Rico and the world," Rivera stated. "My deepest condolences to his family, colleagues, and all who admired him. Don't let go of your prayers, and may God continue to fill us with strength. Your voice and your legacy will live forever in our hearts," he added. Ithier, for his part, died on December 6 at the age of 99 due to health complications. The legendary musician was one of the founders of El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico in 1962.
