Jan 9, 2004

Industry Leader Passes AwaySource: Various

Richard J. (Dick) Hutton, 79, former president and CEO of The Conard-Pyle Company, West Grove, Pa., died December 22, in Wilmington, Del. after a short illness. He was the widower of Anne Postles (Penny) Hutton, who died in 1999 and with whom he shared over 50 years of marriage.

He was born in Philadelphia, lived in Whitesbog, N.J., before moving to a house West Grove, Pa., where he spent 67 years. His studies at the University of Delaware, where he was a member of the Class of 1948, were interrupted by a three-year tour of duty in the Navy during World War II.

Hutton spent his entire professional career with The Conard-Pyle Company (Star Roses), retiring from day-to-day responsibilities as majority owner and CEO in the late 1980s. He remained involved with the company in the capacity of chairman of the board until the time of his death. Through his business affiliations he became active in local and national nursery organizations and held posts in many, including serving as president of the ANLA in 1986-1987. He also was president of All-America Rose Selections.

Hutton is survived by three sons, Steven, John and Jeffrey, as well as an older brother and five grandchildren.