Master Luthier, José Luis Romanillos, Has Passed Away At The Age Of 90.

After a day of illness and when everybody was wishfully expecting his healing, as sweetly as a melody from those instruments which only from his noble and great heart could sprout, Maestro Romanillos has given the mortal step towards the regions that shall be for him eternal joy, pulling apart his spirit of a genius, of a great one, of an artist, of a master, of a humble one, of the matter that oppressed and compelled him to live among us accomplishing his sacred mission, which used to be to relief the sorrow of anyone who came to him.

Jose Luis, as an artist, used to be crying and feeling heart; as a constructor a genius; as a master, a patient and true apostle; as a man, unique and one of those who God sends only once in centuries for them to guide their fellows with their light along the rough path of life; as a friend, for his friendship equals faithfulness turned into a person, and for his subordinates a loving father. There will be no one like him and his loss will never be repaired. When undertaking the eternal journey to the place of perfection that corresponds to select spirits, our master and friend leave us drowning in the deepest sorrow; but we know he has not abandoned us and he still lives among us; his image of peace, nobility, and sweetness will always be beating in our hearts. God, by receiving him into his bosom, has felt immense joy, and choirs of angels have played celestial marches of triumph.

For his students.

Federico Sheppard

adapted from Dr. Roberto Bracamonte, student of Agustin Barrios

Siguenza Spain, Febrero 13, 2022

Surrounded by his loving family and friends he will spend his eternity surrounded by his beloved cipres, overlooking the superb Siguenza countryside, having chosen for his last repose a dignified corner of the municipal cemetery perfectly suited for intimate concerts. He certainly deserves no less. It is an honor to have touched his immortality.

His work on earth has just begun.