On Monday morning, Harris Rosen — is an icon in Orlando and throughout the world — passed away at the age of 85.
The Rosen family released the following statement announcing the passing of Harris Rosen.
On behalf of the Rosen family, it is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of Harris Rosen, who left us this morning at the age of 85, surrounded by family and loved ones. Harris was an angel to so many here on earth, and now he takes his place among the angels in heaven. A beloved father, grandfather, and a pillar of our community, his boundless generosity and love touched countless lives through his unwavering commitment to helping underserved communities, promoting education, advancing the fight against cancer, and supporting health and wellness initiatives. The family will hold a private Celebration of Life and kindly asks for privacy during this difficult time. Thank you.
Rosen has a long history in Central Florida. In 1974, Rosen started his hotel business in Orlando along the I-Drive tourist area with only $20,000. As he grew his businesses, Rosen invested in the underserved areas of the community. Rosen gave college scholarships to students who could not afford college, paid pre-school tuition for families with young children who could not afford it, gave his employees access to healthcare and job training. Many of his employees came from underserved areas of the community.
Rosen earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University School of Hotel Administration in 1961. He then served in the United States Army for three years in Germany and South Korea becoming a first lieutenant. Rosen, a descendant of Russian Jewish immigrants, has devoted significant resources to the local Jewish community, donating to and renaming the Jack and Lee Rosen Southwest Orlando Jewish Community Center in 2015.
City of Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said, “It was difficult to hear that Mr. Rosen had passed. He meant so much to the community. Everybody thinks of him in the tourism sense – Rosen Inn, Rosen Shingle Creek, Rosen Plaza — but he was so much more to our community. He was so philanthropic and he didn’t ask for recognition.”
Orange County Clerk of Courts, Tiffany Moore-Russell expressed her sadness and gratitude for Rosen. Moore-Russell told The Florida Sun, “I am truly saddened about the passing of Mr. Harris Rosen. He was a giant in our community — a man who believed in investing in the community to improve the lives of the next generation. He was a dear friend and supporter of Orange County District 6. Furthermore, it was great working with Mr. Rosen and his team on the numerous Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated conferences held at his numerous properties. He will surely be missed.”
