Floriculturist Ralph Freeman Passes Away
Ralph Nelson Freeman, 72, of Mattituck, N.Y., passed away on April 2, 2011, after a seven-year battle with cancer. Through years of dedication to the business and high standards of excellence, Ralph established himself as a leader and resource for flower growers, industry representatives and extension professionals.
Ralph Nelson Freeman, 72, of Mattituck, N.Y., passed away on April 2, 2011, after a seven-year battle with cancer. Freeman worked as a floriculture extension specialist for Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County for 36 years.
Ralph studied horticulture at the University of Connecticut, then studied commercial floriculture and plant physiology, earning his Master’s degree from Cornell University.
Through years of dedication to the business and high standards of excellence, Ralph established himself as a leader and resource for flower growers, industry representatives and extension professionals.
Ralph has led several educational tours and has authored numerous articles related to the floriculture industry. He was a frequent lecturer at state, national and international horticultural programs and conventions. Ralph also earned the Long Island Farm Bureaue’s Citizen of the Year award in 1999 because of his influence in Long Island’s agricultural industry.
Tax-deductible donations in Ralph Freeman’s honor may be sent to Cornell University for the Student Intern Endowment, 3059 Sound Ave., Riverhead, N.Y. 11901.