Chris Asplundh

Christopher Brooke Asplundh Sr., 77, of Huntingdon Valley, the last of the second-generation executives of the family-owned Asplundh Tree Expert Co. who led the firm through exponential growth and changes in the utility tree-trimming business, died Thursday, August 10, 2017 at home. In 2001, Mr. Asplundh was named chief executive officer and chairman of the board. Nine years later, he retained his position as board chairman while third-generation family member Scott M. Asplundh, his nephew, became the elected CEO. Born in Bryn Athyn, Montgomery County, Mr. Asplundh was the son of Emilie and Carl Hjalmar Asplundh. The latter was one of three brothers who in 1928 founded the company with a $2,500 loan. In 1962, he earned a bachelor's degree from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and then served in the Marine Corps. Besides his son Christopher B. Asplundh Jr. and his brothers, he is survived by his wife of 50 years, Ellen Barrow Asplundh; daughter Meredith Asplundh; two grandchildren; and a sist