Joseph E. Huth, a boy from Yonkers, grew to love plants and, even after retiring from Albany County’s Cornell Cooperative Extension, continued gardening.
He lived in Colonie and Venice, Florida and died on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, at the age of 91.

He was the son of Joseph C. and Sigrid Werner Huth.

“Although being brought up in Yonkers, Joe became interested in agriculture at an early age,” his family wrote in a tribute. “This interest was fostered by the Farm Cadet Corps, a government program that recruited city teenagers to work on farms during World War II.”

After graduating from Theodore Roosevelt High School in Yonkers, Mr. Huth attended the College of Agriculture at Cornell University where he earned his bachelor of science degree in agriculture in 1953.

In 1956, following a two-year hitch in the United States Army Signal Corps, he became an Assistant County Agricultural Extension Agent in Albany County.

In 1964 and 1965, he attended Michigan State University where he earned a master of science degree in horticulture. He retired from Cornell Cooperative Extension in 1990 as Albany County Agricultural Program Leader.

“During his Extension career, he conducted educational programs for commercial vegetable growers, sheep producers, beef cattlemen, and home gardeners,” his family wrote. “He also initiated the bedding plant greenhouse growers’ program.

“In 1984, he was president of the New York State Association of Agricultural Agents. He was awarded the Certificate of Distinguished Service from this association in 1973. He was awarded Sheepman of the Year in 1981 and was presented with the Beef Cattlemen’s Extension Recognition in 1978.

“After retiring from the Extension, he worked at the Garden Shoppe and later for Gardener’s Seed and Horticultural Supply Co.

“Joe’s avocation was growing plants and gardening. Over the years, he grew and sold field-grown pansies, bedding plants, and strawberries. After retirement, he had a large community garden and brought produce to the Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless and to Next Step Inc.

“Joe was an active member of the Presbyterian Church in New Scotland and over the years served as a trustee, deacon, and elder. Joe was also an active member of the Men’s Garden Club of Albany, having been the director and held several offices including president.”

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Joseph E. Huth is survived by his wife, Barbara; his daughter, Patricia Jane Henry, and her husband, Jack, of Englewood, Florida; his sons, Edward Joseph and his wife, Silvia, and their children, Marissa Jane and Eric E.J. of Novi, Michigan, and Andrew Herbert and his wife, Holly, and their children, Morgan and Carson Huth of Duanesburg.

His first wife, Mary Jane “Jan” Hughes, died before him, as did his sister, Carol Westall.

A memorial service will be held in the spring, at the New Scotland Presbyterian Church with a time to visit following the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the New Scotland Presbyterian Church, 2010 New Scotland Road, Slingerlands, NY 12159.