Memorial To Celebrate Cranford Farmer, Former UC Agriculture President's Life

CRANFORD, NJ — Harry Herbert Ditzel Junior, who was born in the family farm house in Cranford on Jan. 11, 1929, passed away peacefully with loving family members at his side on June 28 at the age of 88.

He was a successful farmer and business owner which included an egg route, nursery/garden center, road side stands and real estate. Herb was a student at Rutgers University and served as President of Union County Board of Agriculture.

In the 1980s Herb retired to Anna Maria, Florida where he could be found joyfully working in his garden daily. He was known as the "pepper man." Giving away free peppers and plants. He chatted with passerbys who strolled by enjoying his array of tropical plants, flowers and humorous signs throughout the garden.

Herb's other enjoyment was playing ball with his friends on the over 60 Bradenton softball league.

Herb can also be fondly remembered for his contagious and sarcastic sense of humor or "HERBISMS" such as, "Come back when you can't stay so long" and "I want to ride in the backseat of the car so I can get a longer ride."

Harry Herbert Ditzel is survived by "the love of his life" Macel Vandesteeg, son Darren Brooks Ditzel, daughter Carol Holly Hawn, grandchildren Christopher Kostecki, Joseph Kostecki, Scott Burke, Darren Ditzel Junior and Dalen Ditzel; great-grandchildren Laila Holly Kostecki and Rylan Kostecki; siblings: Edna Klimek, Mary Ann Heerwagen and Warren Ditzel.

A Celebration of Life will be at the Westwood, 439 North Ave. in Garwood on Friday, Sept. 15 from 12:15 to 2:15 p.m. for the public. The family requests no flowers.

Memorial contributions may be made to Herb's late granddaughter Holly Burke's foundation called Shred
Out Cancer. A nonprofit organization to help children with cancer.

Donations can be made to: Shred Out Cancer, 225 Edgemere Drive, Toms River, NJ 08755 or Shredoutcancer.org.

(Image via Shutterstock)

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