Greenhouse industry leader Russell Weiss passes away

Kurt Weiss Greenhouses posted the following announcement on its website:

"Russell's life was lived to the fullest in pursuing his passions, which included his family and every facet of the greenhouse industry.

Russell began his lifelong passion in floriculture from an early age working alongside his grandfather Otto and father Kurt producing field grown azaleas in Queens, NY. Eventually Kurt and Russell branched out to begin the present-day company of Kurt Weiss Greenhouses. After Kurt was injured in an automobile accident, Russell, who was in his 30s at the time, assumed leadership. What started as a small company primarily growing azaleas for the New York City carriage trade, quickly became known for growing azaleas, hydrangeas, annuals, perennials, tropical plants, and more.

During Russell's tenure, the company spanned six states plus Canada and consisted of 18 locations. Because of his energy and entrepreneurial spirit, Kurt Weiss Greenhouses is currently the fourth-largest grower in the U.S. Russell was the relentless force that drove the company to heights his father and grandfather could have only imagined. He instilled that same passion into the company's current culture, creating a diverse workforce of more than 1,200 employees from all over the world. Under Russell's tutelage, the family business has entered its fifth generation and has provided the beauty of flowers to homes across the U.S.

Russell is survived by his wife Teresa, his children Kirk (Marcella), Wayne (Audrey), Wendy Weiss Dailey, and Anna (Leland) Weiss Abrams, his stepson Damian Olech, 15 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son Douglas. He leaves behind a tremendous legacy that will continue to live on through his family, his friends, his employees, his colleagues, and his contributions to the floriculture industry."

In lieu of flowers, the Weiss family is asking for donations to the Russell C. Weiss fund to support endeavors in the floriculture and greenhouse industry with an emphasis on research and education. Click here to learn more.

We invite anyone who may have worked with Russell over the years to offer your thoughts in the "Leave a Reply" box below.

Source and Photo Courtesy of Greenhouse Grower

Source: Greenhouse Grower