There is extremely sad news to share with the Disney community this morning as word has been received of the passing of Richard Gerth, the famous greeter at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
It is with great sadness to announce that the man who has greeted guests with a smile for decades will no longer be standing at the door of the Grand Floridian.
Richard Gerth recently fell ill and was dealing with complications from pneumonia before being placed in hospice care earlier this week. It has been only a few days since that happened, but now, it is being reported that he lost his battle shortly after midnight.
There is a page on Facebook – Richard Gerth: Grand Floridian Greeter – which has been in contact with his family in the past and they are a great place to share your thoughts and condolences. Don’t forget to share your favorite memories about Richard Gerth as well.
All of us here at Doctor Disney send our heartfelt condolences and thoughts to his family. A truly iconic legend from the universe of Disney is gone and he will be missed.
Join the “I’m So Disney…” group on Facebook to discuss this and many other Disney things with anyone and everyone.
I, my wife, and my family where lucky to have been greeted and welcomed to Disney by Richard. It is our honor to, in such brief moments, say hello, good day, and othe well wishes. We are sadden, and sorry of his passing. Richard was always part of our Disney experience, that we said our greetings to Richard as part of our Disney vacation. Sir, you are missed, loved, and respected. Thank you for being there. Haladej family.
I hope Disney does a memorial to his memory at the Grand Floridian.
Rip sir
He would greet us with the warmest greetings and offer us chestnuts and cheer – never a better way to start our day than with a wave and smile by our grandfatherly figure. Love and blessings to you!
My daughter, Carolyn Ouellette, was married in DisneyWorld fifteen years ago. She had two Best Men (her brother and brother-in-law) but no Maid of Honor. Richard Gerth played the role of Carolyn’s wedding gown train holder and “fluffer”. He was such a memorable part of a very beautiful day. No one who attended Carolyn’s wedding will ever forget Richard.
His name tag should be placed in a frame with his picture as you walk into the Grand Floridian for he is the spirit of Disney and will forever be remembered as the one who brought so much joy and laughter to so many how blessed I feel to have taken a picture with him Mr Richard it is the saddest day for us all rest in peace Sweet Angel of God 😪
Absolutely loved him….he was the sweetest man and ALWAYS had time to take pictures and chat. We would look for his wonderful smile every time we visited. So sad that he is gone. Wishing his family, friends, and fellow cast members some peace and wonderful memories in this sad time. It won’t be the same without his wonderful greetings.
A bad relief plaque with “Welcome Home…”