The Orlando Sentinel has reported that business leader and former Walt Disney World vice president, Ed Moriarty, has passed away at the age 77.
- Ed Moriarty passed away on December 28 in Highlands, North Carolina.
- Moriarty worked at Walt Disney World for 20 years starting with the company in the 1970s.
- He rose through the ranks and was eventually named vice president.
- During his time with Disney he was one of the driving forces behind Disney World Village, which has since evolved into Disney Springs. At one time a store was named in his honor, Sir Edward’s Haberdashery, that sold sophisticated men’s clothing.
- Moriarty retired from Disney in 1987 at the age of 42. At that time he told the Sentinel, ”Have you ever done anything for 20 years? Sometimes you just get tired of it. I love Disney — it has been terrific to be associated with the company — but I’m going to take it easy and spend time with my family.”
- After retiring he later joined the board of directors for Ron Jon Surf Shop before being named as the company’s president.
- Moriarty is remembered fondly by coworkers and left a positive impression on both Disney and Ron Jon.
- According to his obituary, one of Moriarty’s life focuses was helping others. He served in the U.S. Marines, and also helped start Orlando’s Toys for Tots.
- He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Jan. In his obituary it was noted that he and Jan, “wanted to marry after their first date, but Jan’s father said they should wait a month, so they did.”
- He is also survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Amie Moriarty, daughter and son-in-law, Megan Moriarty Ferrara and Michael Ferrara, and four grandchildren.
- The family is planning a memorial service later in January in Orlando.
What they’re saying:
- George Kalogridis, Walt Disney World Resort’s president: “Ed Moriarty was a respected and gracious leader with a Disney career that goes back before the opening of Walt Disney World Resort. He had great impact not only at Disney, but also in Central Florida and the hospitality and leisure industry, and he will be deeply missed.”
- Moriarty’s obituary reads: “He believed in things that were bigger than himself, that success comes with working together, and that happiness was living up to your potential.”
- Ron Jon on Moriarty’s focus on community service: “He truly believed that it was important for the company to be a good corporate citizen and to give back to the local community.”
- Ron Jon company in a statement: “Under Ed’s leadership, Ron Jon Surf Shop began a transition into a new era of growth. He was instrumental in beginning our company expansion as well as implementing technology changes and internal procedure updates.”