Honoring the Memory of Robert F. Ench

 Robert F. Ench, age 83, of Glen Mills, PA, passed away on July 17, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. 

Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, he was the son of Henry Ench, Sr., and Ellen (Noone) Ench. Robert resided in Glen Mills, PA, and Miromar Lakes, FL. Bob was known for his love of family and hard work and less known for his quiet charitable giving and generosity.

Bob graduated from Farmingdale State College in 1960. He started his own business, Flowertime, a Long Island garden center which grew into a chain of 38 retail stores. Bob took Flowertime public and later merged with Frank's Nursery and Crafts, with an operation of 250 stores across the US. Bob was then Chairman of the Board of Frank's

Nursery and Crafts, with an operation of 250 stores across the US. Bob was then Chairman of the Board of Frank's.

In 1988 he started Hopewell Nursery in Bridgeton, NJ, a growing operation spanning over 2,000 acres – it was one of the largest wholesale nurseries on the East Coast. What many don't know is that Hopewell started with Bob's idea to build a first-class golf course with specialty trees and plants being highlighted on each hole. When the market shifted, so did Bob, and Hopewell Nursery was formed.

In the 1980's Bob worked with Lady Bird Johnson on beautification projects. He was on the Board of Directors for The National Wildflowers Research Center.

At Farmingdale, Bob served as president of the Alumni Association, and was a member of the College Council and the Horticulture Committee. In 1983, he received the highest honor Farmingdale can bestow, the Ram's Horn Award, and received an Honorary Doctorate in 2010. 

Bob was a legend in the Nursery business – a true icon who influenced many through his hard work, entrepreneurship, generosity and dedication to the Horticulture Program at Farmingdale. In 2016, Farmingdale dedicated the “Robert F. Ench Teaching Gardens” in honor of his loyalty, generosity and service. 

Bob loved spending time with his wife, daughters and grandchildren and he will be greatly missed. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Harry Ench, and survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Louise Ench, and daughters Kathleen Zentner, Karen Pastreich, and Lisa Semler. He is also survived by his sons-in-law: Robert Zentner and Phil Pastreich, his five grandchildren: Alexandria (Jordan), Robert, Ana-Christina, Gavin, and Kendall, as well as two great-grandchildren: Cooper and Cameron. He is also survived by his sister, Ellen Lennon; along with nieces and nephews.

No matter the success Bob enjoyed in business, the true success of his life was and remains his family.

A quiet man who wished to be measured by his deeds rather than words, Bob and Louise built a family that today spans the US.  His three daughters Karen, Kathy and Lisa together with their respective spouses have expanded the family and continue his life's work.

Bringing his children into the business was a natural extension of Bob's core values and a desire to share knowledge, community, and success.  Just as his family made Bob successful, they contribute still to Hopewell.

Bob lived the values of dedication, family, hard work, entrepreneurship and generosity.  He is survived his loving wife of 59 years, Louise, and daughters Kathleen, Karen , and Lisa, Bob welcomed sons-in-la Robert (Zentner) and Phil.  Blessed with love and the love of children, Bob and Louise enjoy five grandchildren: Alexandria (Jordan), Robert, Ana-Christina, Gavin, and Kendall, and two great-grandchildren (Cooper and Cameron) and his sister Louise.

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 . Online condolences may be made by visiting https://alumni.farmingdale.edu/donate

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2016 Farmingdale State College  dedicated it's

Ornamental Horticulture Teaching to Robert in recognition of his contributions to the community, the industry and to the school that is his alma matter

The gardens, part of the campus since its founding in 1912, have served as the location for festive parties and solemn memorials.  Primarily, however, the gardens serve as a living laboratory for students of horticulture.  

A place for students to learn in a hands-on, real-world setting, the garden's beauty is as much a reflection of the learning as it is the spirit and passion that touched Robert and through which he gave so much to students, faculty, alum and community.

To Learn More, click HERE.

In April, 2016 Farmingdale State College dedicated it's

Ornamental Horticulture Teaching Gardens to Robert in recognition of his contributions to the community, the industry and to the school that is his alma matter

The gardens, part of the campus since its founding in 1912, have served as the location for festive parties and solemn memorials.  Primarily, however, the gardens serve as a living laboratory for students of horticulture.  

A place for students to learn in a hands-on, real-world setting, the garden's beauty is as much a reflection of the learning as it is the spirit and passion that touched Robert and through which he gave so much to students, faculty, alum and community.

To Learn More, click HERE.

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No Flowers, Please

Why does a horticultural family ask that flowers not be sent to a funeral?  Because Bob was, and we are committed to the legacy of Bob's belief in education and teaching the next generation.

 In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Bob to support Farmingdale State College Horticulture Students by visiting 

 www.farmingdale.edu/bob-ench 

or

https://alumni.farmingdale.edu/donate 

or 

Sending checks payable to Farmingdale College Foundation 

2350 Broadhollow Road, 

Horton Hall 120 

Farmingdale, NY 11735