- Edward Leroy Drollinger, Jr., passed away April 3, 2022. He was born in Cleveland on February 21, 1931 to the late Edward Leroy and Josephine "Jo" (nee Peters) Drollinger, Sr. After graduating from James Ford Rhodes High School in 1949 he attended The Ohio State University, graduating cum laude and earning both a Bachelor's and Master's Degree of Science in Horticulture in 1957. In his early college years, Edward married Alice Patricia (nee Richley) on September 22, 1951 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in East Cleveland and remained dedicated to her until her passing in 2011. While pursuing his Master's degree, he worked as an extension agent for OSU where he evaluated soil and advised crop rotation and proper soil fertilization to farmers throughout Ohio. Upon graduation, Edward's first job was manager at Yoder's Greenhouse in Lancaster, Ohio. When he was offered the plant manager position at Bunker Hill Greenhouse, he moved his wife and two sons to Medina, Ohio, and assisted in the planning, design, and modernization of their eight-acre greenhouse on Watkins Road. His interest for over 50 years was raising the best hybrid tomatoes and cucumbers for the consumer along with tropical plants for his family. As his family grew, two additional sons joined their father and older brothers working at the greenhouse. With the passing of time, their sons went off to college and Edward and Alice took time for themselves. They enjoyed cruises to Europe, Alaska, and the Panama Canal. He was an avid Buckeye fan and followed all of the OSU teams religiously. After Alice passed, the high point of his day was having a fresh cup of coffee with his morning buddies. Edward is survived by his sons Dale (Diana), Gary (Heidi), and Darrin (Beth) Drollinger; and sister Marilyn (Bernie) Maher. He was blessed with numerous grandchildren, a great-grandchild, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son Edward L. Drollinger, III; sister Virginia Woodall; and his brother Donald Drollinger. The family will gather to celebrate his life from 1-5:00 pm, Saturday, April 9, 2022, at Waite & Son Funeral Home, 765 N. Court St., Medina 44256. Private burial will be held at Spring Grove Cemetery in Medina. Online condolences and a place to share memories may be found at waitefuneralhome.com.
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1931 - 2022 (91 years)
