Was Harris Rosen married, and did he have kids? Investor and philanthropist dies aged 85
Harris Rosen, the founder and president of Rosen Hotels & Resorts, died Monday, November 25, 2024, at the age of 85, according to Frank Santos, the company's vice president.
“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,” Santos said in a statement.
Rosen was a longstanding philanthropist in Central Florida and a significant benefactor in Central Florida, who donated more than 20 acres to the Rosen College of Hospitality Management at UCF. In 1961, he married Marjorie and had four kids named Shayna, Joshua, Jack, and Adam.
Not much is known about his wife or kids except that his youngest son, Adam, died from a brain tumor in November 2018. After the tragic death, he established a foundation in Adam's honor and gave the University of Florida millions of dollars to support research on brain tumors.
Harris Rosen was an investor and philanthropist who contributed to the field of cancer research
The hotel tycoon significantly changed Central Florida and the communities around his hotels by investing in housing, healthcare, and education, particularly in cancer research and underprivileged communities. Rosen not only contributed to the hotel industry, but he was also a philanthropist in Central Florida.
As per Orange Observer’s November 26 report, Ofira Bondorowsky, the CEO of Rosen JCC, talked about his death and recalled his legacy.
"It is with profound sorrow that we share the news of the passing of Harris Rosen, a visionary leader, devoted family man, and a cherished pillar of our community. Harris Rosen's immeasurable impact on our community and the thousands of lives he touched will never be forgotten,” Ofira said.
“His legacy of generosity, compassion, and unwavering dedication to bettering the world will continue to inspire us all. We join his family in honoring his extraordinary life and extend our heartfelt condolences during this time of mourning. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved him."
Rosen also donated to cancer research and founded the Harris Rosen Foundation, a charitable organization that funds initiatives like a preschool in the Parramore neighborhood. It also provides financial aid for Rollins College to students from Orlando's Tangelo Park and Parramore communities.
He further established the Tangelo Park and Parramore programs, which offer free preschool to kids between the ages of two and four. In 1991, he founded RosenCare and constructed the 13,000-square-foot RosenCare Medical Center. It provides affordable healthcare to its staff members and their dependents.
In 2013, Harris Rosen told Spectrum News 13 that he felt compelled to assist others.
"About 25 years ago, sitting at my desk, and having a conversation with myself, which I do on occasion. I asked myself, ‘Are you pleased with where you are?' We were building this property and already planning Rosen Center, and already dreaming about a larger resort. I said ‘yes,’ and, um, the little voice said, ‘Well, now it’s time to give back'," he said.
During an interview with Spectrum News 13 Central Florida for their Beyond the Soundbite podcast in 2022, Harris Rosen talked about the need for reasonably priced healthcare. After Adam passed away, Rosen created a foundation and donated $12 million to cancer research.
To do this, the University of Florida Health established the Adam Michael Rosen Neuro-Oncology Laboratories. They also founded the Adam Michal Rosen Neuromedicine Facility.
Harris Rosen’s cause of death is not officially known yet.