Seedway founder Carl W. Fribolin died on Jan. 20, 2016 at his home in Geneva, NY. He was 97.
Carl became a managing partner of Robson Quality Seeds in Hall, New York in 1963. He later acquired the business and changed the name to Seedway which he owned and managed until 1987 when he sold the business to Agway Inc. Seedway has become a major distributor of farm, turf and vegetable seed in the eastern United States.
Carl was a leader in the northeastern seed industry serving as president of the New York Seed Association and the New York Seed Improvement Cooperative in Ithaca, NY. He also served as president of the Northeastern States Seed Development Corporation.
Upon his retirement from the seed industry, he devoted himself to ensuring the viability of agriculture open space by establishing a large vineyard and winemaking operation on his farm, which he eventually sold but continued to own and manage the retail outlet, White Springs Winery, until his death.
Carl was noted for his leadership in the areas of healthcare serving as Board Chair of Geneva General Hospital and of higher education serving as Vice Chair of Keuka College Board as well as chairing numerous committees and fund raising activities for the college. He was awarded Honorary Degrees by both Keuka College and Hobart and William Smith Colleges.
