Harris Rosen, Philanthropist and Hotelier, Dies at 85

Harris Rosen, the influential founder and president of Rosen Hotels & Resorts, passed away at age 85 due to complications from surgery. A significant figure in the Orlando tourism industry, he built a hotel empire starting with his first purchase in 1973, eventually managing over 6,300 rooms. Rosen was renowned for his philanthropic efforts, including the Tangelo Park Program, which provided education and support to underserved communities, and establishing the Rosen College of Hospitality Management at UCF. His dedication to improving lives through education, health initiatives, and cancer research earned him accolades, including the Orlando Sentinel’s Central Floridian of the Year award in 2011. Rosen's legacy as a community pillar is reflected in the countless scholarships and health services he funded for local residents. He is remembered as a beloved leader, father, and grandfather who profoundly impacted Central Florida.