Christopher B. Asplundh Sr., the head of Asplundh Tree Expert and well-known philanthropist from Huntingdon Valley, died at home on August 10, aged 77 after battling cancer, writes Bonnie L. Cook for Philly.com.

Asplundh was born in Bryn Athyn and attended Academy of the New Church. His career began as the ground man on a climbing crew trimming trees in the Philadelphia area. After various roles in Illinois and New England he returned to Jenkintown as a vice president of the company.

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Over the next two decades his responsibilities grew and he became company president in 1992 and CEO and chairman of the board in 2001. On his retirement, he handed over the reins to his nephew, Scott M. Asplundh.

Asplundh was also a well known philanthropist and champion of Abington Health Foundation’s “Reimagine Cancer Care” campaign. Along with his family, he donated $10 million for the Asplundh Cancer Pavilion, which will open next summer at Abington Health Center in Willow Grove.

Asplundh is survived by Ellen Barrow Asplundh, his wife of 50 years, son Christopher, daughter Meredith and two grandchildren.

Read more about Asplundh’s life at Philly.com by clicking here.

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