CHICAGO — Harris Rosen has passed away, at age 85. Rosen, Founder and President of Rosen Hotels & Resorts®, was known for his philanthropy and celebrated for his support for the Orlando and Central Florida community.
The news was delivered via a statement from Frank Santos, Vice President of Rosen Hotels & Resorts.
“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.”
A Hotel Mogul with a Heart of Gold
In the 1970s, Rosen left Walt Disney Co., where he was the Director of Hotel Planning, and purchased the Quality Inn on International Drive in Orlando.
After renovating the building, he then acquired and built more hotels in the area, helping to develop the trade show epicenter into what it is today through his shaping of the tourism district. The brand has more than 6,300 rooms and suites across seven properties in Orlando, along with more than 740,000 square feet of meetings space, and employs more than 4,000 Central Floridians.
On June 24 of this year, Rosen Hotels & Resorts marked the 50th anniversary of the hotel group. Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings declared the day “Harris Rosen Day.”
Rosen went on to establish The Harris Rosen Foundation in 1987, which works to break the cycle of poverty to restore hope and opportunity in disadvantaged communities through educational opportunities and other improvements.
In 1993, Rosen helped spearhead the Tangelo Park Program after the community asked for help with improvements. Harris teamed up with the Tangelo Park Civic Association, Tangelo Baptist Church, Tangelo Park Elementary School and the Tangelo Park YMCA to ensure there was free preschool for every child aged two to four, full college or vocational school scholarships for every graduating high school senior from the area and a Family Resource Center where parents could get counseling and other resources.
When the program started the high school dropout rate was about 25%, and now the graduation rate in Tangelo Park is close to 100%, emphasizing the positive impact programs and leaders like Rosen have on communities. The program was then replicated in Parramore.
Over the course of more than 45 years, Rosen was involved in numerous other efforts to better the Orlando and Central Florida community. Rosen Hotels & Resorts also gives back in numerous ways, with a majority of its focus on education, wellness, animal welfare and cultural diversity.
From donating $18 million in funds and land for the new University of Central Florida’s hospitality program to build on, to his activism for the YMCA Aquatic Center which was then renamed in his honor, to The Adam Michael Rosen Foundation presents Runway to Hope’s Spring Soiree which benefits children’s pediatric oncology programs in the region, to the donation to construct the Jack & Lee Rosen Jewish Community Center, to his support of Orange County Public Schools, Harris Rosen’s passion for philanthropy and his community was evident.
“It’s just the right thing to do. It’s not anything terribly complicated. People who are blessed should acknowledge their good fortune and give back. So that’s what we do,” Rosen told Central Florida Lifestyle Magazine in 2019.
An Industry and Community Says Farewell
Tributes for Rosen poured in via social media and statements upon the news breaking:
Ken McAvoy, President, South Florida Ventures and Executive Vice President of Corporate Development at Informa Markets to TSE
“Harris Rosen was a unique individual in so many ways. From Tangelo Park to the Rosen School of Hospitality he always put people first. His contributions to Orlando and Central Florida is only exceeded by his efforts to improve people’s lives. He will be missed and remembered by everyone that touched him in any way. Truly a great friend of the hospitality industry and the community.”
Orange County Convention Center via official statement
“The Orange County Convention Center is saddened by the passing of Mr. Harris Rosen, a visionary leader whose contributions have left a lasting impact on our community. His dedication to hospitality and philanthropy was truly inspiring, and our team is grateful for the unwavering partnership we have shared over the years. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Rosen family and staff during this difficult time.
In addition, Mr. Rosen was a big part of the success of the Orange County Convention Center and we truly would not be who we are today without his lasting impact. His benevolent and giving heart is a model on how we should live our lives in service to our community.”
Rosanne Maietta, President and CEO, American Hotel & Lodging Association via official statement
“Harris Rosen was an inspirational figure and a shining example of the passion and drive that hoteliers need to succeed. His love for the industry made him the largest independent hotelier in Florida, but he showed us the true meaning of hospitality through his philanthropic work. His generous donation to the University of Central Florida built the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, which was just ranked best in the nation for the fifth consecutive year for its hospitality management and tourism program. Harris left an indelible mark on this industry and its people that will be felt for generations. We will miss him.”
Kevin J. Thibault, CEO, Greater Orlando Aviation Authority via LinkedIn
“On behalf of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Harris Rosen family during their great loss. Mr. Rosen was a philanthropist of considerable magnitude, making his mark on the Central Florida community in countless ways.
As a businessman, his dedication to hospitality and tourism became the gold standard by which all others within the industry measure themselves. The GOAA family is grateful for his life’s work and the indelible print he has left on those who knew him personally and professionally.”
Orlando Economic Partnership via LinkedIn
“Remembering the incredible legacy of Harris Rosen, a philanthropist and hospitality visionary who dedicated his life to making Central Florida—and the world—a better place.
As a leader in the hospitality industry and a tireless advocate for public education, Harris’s impact is immeasurable. From the UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management to his groundbreaking work with the Tangelo Park Foundation, Parramore Foundation, and the Adam Michael Rosen Foundation and more, his contributions have transformed countless lives. He won OEP’s James B Green award in 2019, further solidifying his dedication to community service and his extraordinary impact on Orlando.
He believed in lifting others up, and his legacy will continue to inspire and guide us all. Harris, you will be deeply missed, but your spirit of giving will live on forever.
Reliving his acceptance speech upon receiving the James B. Green Award, Harris spoke about the importance of creating opportunities, especially for those who need it most. “The greatest gift we can give is the chance to succeed,” he said. “By investing in people, particularly those from underserved communities, we don’t just change individual lives; we change entire neighborhoods, cities, and the world.” His words were a testament to his vision of a more equitable world—one where education and opportunity pave the way for future generations. Harris Rosen wasn’t just a successful businessman; he was one of Orlando’s greatest minds because he used his success to empower others, leaving a lasting imprint on his community and beyond. His legacy will continue to inspire future leaders and philanthropists for years to come.”
Orange County Public Schools via LinkedIn
“We are heartbroken to hear of the passing of Harris Rosen, founder of Rosen Hotels & Resorts and a longtime supporter of Orange County Public Schools.
It’s impossible to list all of the ways he helped our community and students achieve their dreams. The Tangelo Park Project, one of his most impactful initiatives, provides free preschool, parenting classes, vocational training and full scholarships for college-bound high school graduates.
Just last May, dozens of our students received full scholarships to college through the Harris Rosen Foundation. It’s a life-changing gift that will lead to brighter futures thanks to Mr. Rosen’s generosity.
‘Mr. Rosen was more than a philanthropist; he was a visionary who believed in the power of education to change lives. His generosity and dedication to our students has been an inspiration to us all,’ OCPS Superintendent Maria Vazquez said in a statement. ‘We are deeply grateful for his unwavering support and partnership through the years. OCPS extends its heartfelt condolences to the Rosen family and the entire community. Mr. Rosen’s legacy will forever be woven into the fabric of our schools and the lives of our students.’”
Photo from Rosen Hotels & Resorts®
