Richard & Old Man & # 39; Harrison dies at the age of 77

Richard Harrison, known as "Old Man" on the reality show Pawn Stars, is dead. He was 77 years old.

Harrison's son, Rick, confirmed his death in a Instagram Instagram post Monday, calling his father his "hero".

"Richard Benjamin" The Old Man "Harrison passed away this morning surrounded by those whom he loved.It will be sorely missed by our family, the Gold & Silver Pawn team and its many fans from all over the world, "he wrote." He was my hero and I was fortunate to have an "old man". very cool like my dad. That I could share it with so many others and that they could see how much he was a great family man, it is something that I am grateful for having lived with him.

With the message, Rick posted a photo of Harrison wearing a pair of sunglasses and a hat.

"He lived a very full life and through the TV show History Pawn Stars has touched people's lives everywhere, teaching them the value of your family's love, hard work and humor, "he continued. "We appreciate the thoughts and prayers of everyone and ask that we be given some privacy right now."

In a second post, Rick revealed that Harrison had died after a long battle with Parkinson's disease.

"Today, I have lost a friend, a father, a teacher and so much more," he writes. "The Old Man has lost his long battle with Parkinson's this morning, I love Daddy, and we're on the other side."

Harrison owned with his son the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop of Las Vegas in 1989. The family business was the subject of the very successful History Channel show. Pawn Stars.

The show was created in July 2009 and features local experts who visit the store and help evaluate the rare and strange items brought to the store by the vendors.

In a statement to TMZ, The History Channel stated that they were "deeply saddened" by Harrison's loss.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of our friend Richard" The Old Man "Harrison, a beloved member of Pawn Stars family. He will be greatly missed in his wisdom and frankness. Our thoughts are with the Harrison family during this difficult time. "