Dr. Jimmy Elidrissi, general manager of the Waldorf-Astoria since 1989, died on May 9, shortly after suffering a heart attack. He was 74.
He had long cared for the staff of the iconic hotel, known for its plush red carpet, fireside bookstores and valet parking. Staff members were told of his passing in front of the hotel’s staff as visitors departed on May 10.
“He was a warm, caring man who always made the Waldorf staff feel special,” said Whitney Harris, president of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. “He was absolutely passionate about the hotel and the hotel employees.”
Under Elidrissi’s stewardship, the hotel expanded its properties, expanding its employee ranks and filling management roles with full-time, certified employees.
In 2016, the Waldorf-Astoria was sold to Monarch Hotels & Resorts.
Dr. Elidrissi was born in Rome and received his undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Rome, according to his obituary. After his studies, he worked as a general practitioner for more than 30 years. He was certified in psychiatry in 1991.
He married Dr. Stella Motobi in 1969. He is survived by Stella, his children Jimmya, Caity, Jimmy, Cilan, Martin, Rosanna, Sondra, Vincent, Veronica, J.C., Renee, Lucia, Alexia, Francesca, Renato, Emma, Neda, and Lucia, and four grandchildren.
Elidrissi enjoyed playing the violin and writing poetry. He also worked in his family’s business, the Elidrissi and Stroci Cucine and Grille, and was a graphic designer.
“There will never be another Jimmy Elidrissi. … He is the greatest employee of the Waldorf-Astoria. He’s the greatest general manager of any hotel in New York City,” Harris said.