Andrew Martin Stellwag, Sr. was born on August 17, 1931, the youngest of
12 children. The son of Charles and Caroline Stellwag, he grew up in the close-knit community of Riverside, New Jersey. Andy
met Adolph Strohlein, Sr. the founder and then president of Moorestown Gardens, Inc. in September 1946. Adolph saw potential
in this young man and offered him a part-time job as a laborer.
Andy took a brief sabbatical beginning in 1952
to serve in the United States Coast Guard. Shortly thereafter, on January 3rd, 1953, he married Eleanor Powell. While stationed
in Cape May, New Jersey, Andy kept with his nursery background by working with grounds and maintenance. He helped to convert
a vacant building into a greenhouse and began to grow many of the plants and shrubs used for landscaping throughout the base.
It was the first time in USCG history that a boatswains mate second class was put in charge of 44 Coast Guard cutters--lawn
cutters that is!
It was while in Cape May, that their first
son, Andrew, Jr. (Drew) was born. Perhaps even way back then, Andy had dreams of one day owning Moorestown Gardens, for after
completing his tour with the USCG and settling into their new home in Delran, New Jersey, Andy and Eleanor expanded their
small family of three to a regular work detail of seven! Joseph (Joe), Lawrence (Larry), Dawn and Beverly quickly followed.
After leaving the Coast Guard, Andy continued at Moorestown Gardens under the expert tutelage of Mr. Strohlien. He
worked his way up through the ranks eventually rising to General Manager in 1958, later being made partner in 1974.
Drew, Joe and Larry began working with their Dad part time while still in high school, with all three later joining Moorestown
Gardens full time after graduation. Dawn also worked part time during high school and when on break from college and Beverly
joined the family full time after graduation. Eleanor also helped out working part time in the family home while raising her
children. When the opportunity arose where Andy and Eleanor could buy Moorestown Gardens they saw the culmination of a dream.
One evening in June 1984, they brought together their children and gave each one the choice to become part of a bright and
successful future. It was unanumous right from the start--one for all and all for one!
The purchase was finalized in March of 1985, the name was changed to Moorestown Gardens Corp. and the
Stellwag family was off and running. Major improvements have been made over the years including the acquisition of Vita Green
Farm in Mount Laurel and the purchase of Stellwag's Hidden Acres Farm, Inc. in Delran. Stellwag's Hidden Acres Farm
is not only the site of Moorestown Gardens' corporate offices, wholesale pick-up yard and retail garden center, but it
is also the source of family fun and great pride. Several acres of the 30-acre site are home to an assortment of farm animals
and Andy's collections of many different breeds of pheasants, antique cars and trucks and farm equipment from days gone
by. "The Farm" has brought much joy to Andy and to the entire Stellwag family since it's purchase in 1996 and
will continue to be the centerpeice of operations for years to come.
Sadly, Andy passed away at home on November
23, 2000 after a brief but very serious illness. As throughout his life, Andy was surrounded by his loving wife of 47 years
and his five devoted children. Since that time, the outpouring of love, support and prayers from our friends and colleagues
has been overwhelming. We proudly dedicate our lives to the memory and outstanding lifelong achievements of a loving husband,
generous father, dear friend and great boss! We celebrate Andy's life and will continue on in his fine tradition.
