Willie Colón, one of the most iconic figures in salsa and the New York salsa movement, was laid to rest at a funeral and mass in his honor in New York. The architect of urban salsa and social activist, a Grammy nominee, died on February 21 at the age of 75. Before his death, the Puerto Rican artistic community had been praying for the singer-songwriter, who was receiving medical care for reported respiratory complications. The public funeral mass was held at St. Patrick's Cathedral in midtown Manhattan after a weekend of private and public viewings. The burial will be private. According to the funeral program, he is survived by his wife, 49-year-old Julia Colón Craig; his four children: William David (Rose) Colón, Adam Diego Colón, Alejandro Miguel (Nell) Colón, Patrick Antonio Colón; his sister Isabell (Michael Johnson) Breston; six grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and numerous nephews and nieces. 'While we lament his absence, we also rejoice in the eternal gift of his music and the cherished memories that will last forever,' his family said in a statement. At the conclusion of the mass, trombonists played 'La Murga' to say goodbye to their great friend.
