Dr. John T. Mickel, 90, of Briarcliff Manor, NY and distinguished botanist at the New York Botanical Garden for nearly 50 years, died November 15, 2024, peacefully at home.

John grew up in Hudson, Ohio, and graduated cum laude from Western Reserve Academy in 1952.  He was an Eagle Scout, loved playing soccer and also enjoyed wrestling and singing in choirs.  He earned his AB at Oberlin College, and his MA and PhD in Botany at the University of Michigan, majoring in ferns, under the mentorship of Dr. Warren Wagner.  Thus began his enthusiastic and life-long interest in fern research.

After receiving his PhD in 1961, John began his teaching and research career at Iowa State University; in 1969 he was appointed Curator of Ferns at the New York Botanical Garden where he spent the rest of his career, collecting, working on the ferns of Oaxaca and ferns of Mexico, and teaching at the City University of New York.

Dr. Mickel enthusiastically shared his love of ferns with others - with his graduate students and through courses, lectures, fern tours and the NY Fern Society.  At  his home he studied cold-hardy ferns and grew every fern he could find, working with growers to make more species available.  He published three books on growing ferns including his prize-winning  Ferns for American Gardens.

John was an active member of Briarcliff Congregational Church, serving on their Buildings and Grounds Committee and Trustees, and singing in the choir.

John married Carol Stroud in Michigan in 1959 - it was love at first sight at The U of M Biological Station.  They shared a love for gardening and singing, as well as travel.  John (the Fernman) will be remembered for his quick wit, love of puns, and cheering for U of M football and basketball.

He is survived by his wife, Carol, 3 sons, Jeffrey (Kellie), Paul (Kathy), Timothy (Jeffrey), and daughter, Jean Mickel, 11 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Music Program at Briarcliff Congregational Church, Box 290, Briarcliff NY, 10510.

An informal gathering/open house will be held at the Mickel home in Briarcliff on Saturday, December 7, 2-5 pm, to celebrate John's life.