Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Papo Rosario, Longtime El Gran Combo Singer, Dies at 78

A family statement said he died surrounded by loved ones, with the cause of death not disclosed.

Overview

  • His family confirmed his death on December 12, 2025, in a communiqué posted to his official Facebook account.
  • He spent 38 years with El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico after joining on January 26, 1980, becoming one of its most recognizable vocalists.
  • He left the orchestra in 2017 due to a longstanding back ailment and formally retired in 2019, with later reports noting a cancer diagnosis.
  • Days before his passing, his son Aniel Rosario publicly requested a chain of prayer for him.
  • News of his death comes six days after the passing of El Gran Combo founder Rafael Ithier, deepening grief across the salsa community.