Jimmy Elidrissi has been the Bellhop at the Waldorf Astoria on Park Avenue for over five decades. He worked in hotels all over the country. He recently retired from the Waldorf in his 80s.
He was a member of Teamsters Local 372, and he started his career at the Towers in New York at the age of 12. When he retired, it was with the rank of captain. He’s been sick and was in hospice care when he passed.
“He was my best friend,” said Waldorf Interim General Manager and union leader John DiLorenzo. “Jimmy was a very good man, and he was a great union man.”
It’s not known what caused his death. The Teamsters Local 372 will hold a memorial service on Wednesday and the Hotel’s workers plan to honor him with the bellman handshake. He was always willing to help people.
“He loved his work. He had a great smile. He was always there for his customers,” said Local President Fred Donnelly.
It’s a mystery where he was buried – and now there’s a GoFundMe page to help finance a proper burial. He’s most definitely going to be honored with an opening bell at the Waldorf.
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