Charles F. Kremp Jr., 79; Founded Florist Shop Chain

Charles F. Kremp Jr., 79, founder of a chain of florist shops, died of cancer at his home in Willow Grove on Friday.

Born in Philadelphia, Mr. Kremp graduated from Northeast High School, then went to work in a local flower shop, discovering a natural affinity for the business. He spent more than 40 years as a florist, interrupting his career only to serve in the 104th General Hospital in England during World War II.

In 1946, Mr. Kremp and a partner opened the Muller & Kremp Flower Shop in Glenside. Nine years later, Mr. Kremp set out on his own with the Willow Grove Flower Shop on Davisville Road. He went on to establish and operate a host of stores until his retirement in 1980, including the C.F. Kremp & Sons Flower Shops in Jenkintown, Olney, King of Prussia and the Northeast, and the Garden Center & Greenhouse in Gwynedd.

His dedication to the flower business was shared by his late wife, Dorothy, and their three children.

``He just loved the flower business,'' recalled his daughter, Dorothy Drummond. ``He said the day he got married, he did [flowers for ] three weddings, then did his own wedding. . . . The flower business is a lot of hard hours, but there's something to be said for working with your family. Dad had strong family ties. He really taught us a lot.''

All three children and six of his grandchildren are now in the flower business.

Mr. Kremp held offices in local, state and national florists' associations. In 1975, he received the Allied Florist Association of Delaware Valley's ``man of the year'' award.

He was active in the Abington Presbyterian Church and organizations including the Glenside Kiwanis, Bucks County Shrine Club, Scottish Rite Consistory, Willow Grove Moose Lodge No. 1101, and VFW Post 3612.

Besides his daughter, he is survived by two sons, Charles F. Kremp 3d and Jeffrey Kremp; 10 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends at 11 a.m. tomorrow at the Abington Presbyterian Church, 1082 Old York Rd. The funeral will follow at 12:30 p.m., and burial will be at George Washington Memorial Park.