Public Funeral Mass Held for Willie Colón in New York

Family, friends, and fans gathered Monday morning at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City for a public funeral Mass honoring Willie Colón, the Grammy-nominated salsa musician and social activist who died on February 21 at age 75. The service marked the final public tribute to the Bronx-born trombonist, whose innovative sound helped define urban salsa and elevate the genre to global prominence.

The funeral followed a weekend of viewings at McMahon, Lyon & Hartnett Funeral Home in White Plains, New York. A private wake on Saturday allowed close family and friends to pay respects, while Sunday's public visitation drew fans who left flowers, Puerto Rican flags, and musical tributes. The Mass was livestreamed on the cathedral's website and YouTube channel, with a recording made available afterward. Colón's burial remained private, as confirmed by family members.

Colón passed away peacefully at a hospital in Westchester County, surrounded by relatives, according to a family statement on social media. "While we grieve his absence, we also rejoice in the timeless gift of his music and the cherished memories that will live on forever," the statement read. The cause of death was not...