Joseph A. Hren, Nurseryman
Joseph Anton Hren Jr., who owned and ran Jos. A. Hren Nurseries in Amagansett, the family business, for 52 years, died on July 6 at the Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown, N.Y., of renal failure. He was 75.
From the time he inherited it at the age of 18, Mr. Hren “dedicated his life and love to building and sustaining the business,” his family said. He was an Amagansett Fire Department volunteer, also for 52 years, and a contributing member of the Amagansett Village Improvement Society.
With his wife, Mr. Hren built “the cabin of their dreams,” beginning in the late ’80s, in Sharon Springs, N.Y. The couple split their time between Amagansett and upstate. Until his final days, the cabin was Mr. Hren’s favorite place to be, his family said.
He loved the outdoors, and had a passion not only for plantings and horticulture, but also enjoyed attending farm shows and surrounding himself with antique tractors and collectibles.
He was born to Joseph A. Hren Sr. and the former Elizabeth Fee at Southampton Hospital on June 22, 1941, and lived for most of his life on the original Hren’s Nursery property. He attended local schools, graduating from East Hampton High School, and was married on Nov. 26, 1966, to the former Charlene Smith.
She survives, as do two sons, Jason M. Hren and Joseph A. Hren III of East Hampton, and two daughters, Lori L. Hren of Brooklyn and Kimberly J. Hren, also of East Hampton, who is in the nursery business with partners at the original family location, under the name of Groundworks at Hren’s.
Mr. Hren was one of eight siblings. He was predeceased by three sisters. He leaves three brothers, James Hren and Jonathan Hren of Amagansett and Lawrence Hren of California, and a sister, Marguerite (Reetie) Cantwell of Taos, N.M. Six grandchildren also survive.
A wake was held on July 12 at the Yardley and Pino Funeral Home in East Hampton, and a service took place on July 13 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Amagansett. Burial followed at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery in East Hampton.
Memorial contributions have been suggested to the National Kidney Foundation, Finance Department, 30 East 33rd Street, New York 10016.