Paul S. Asplundh, retired Chairman of the Board of the Asplundh Tree Expert Co., died June 13, 2012, at the age of 81.

Born in Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania on February 22, 1931, Paul was the second son of Griffith Asplundh, one of the three brothers who founded the Asplundh Tree Expert Co. in 1928. Paul worked on tree crews during summer vacations from college and then he joined the company full-time in 1956. He had already completed his bachelor’s degree in commerce from The Pennsylvania State University and served two years in the U.S. Air Force as a radio communications officer.

In the first few years of his career, Paul worked on the early development of Asplundh’s revolutionary fully-insulated aerial lift and gained more field experience overseeing tree crews in Maryland. In 1960, he was promoted to manager of Asplundh operations throughout the state of Virginia and two years later, was elected vice president. In 1965, Paul returned to company headquarters and spent the next 31 years as an executive working closely with the first, second and third generation family members leading the company. Having served on the board of directors since 1967, he was elected chairman of the board in 1995. Paul retired from day-to-day operations on December 31, 1996 and from the board ten years later.

Paul was the President of the Jenkintown Chamber of Commerce, and served on several boards, including Abington Memorial Hospital, Huntingdon Valley Country Club, the Philadelphia Orchestra and the Academy of the New Church.

He enjoyed traveling especially to Hilton Head, SC and Beaver Creek, CO. His great love of gardening led to hours spent growing vegetables in his summer garden and flowers in his greenhouse. He was an avid photographer and skier, had his amateur radio license, and liked playing golf.

But above all, he loved his family and their family gatherings. When his wife, sister-and-law and all of his children and grandchildren were able to get together for a big Christmas dinner or summer barbeque, nothing made him happier

Paul is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mimi; a daughter, Paige Cumming (Chris), his three sons, Scott (Hali), Brent (Kelly) and Gregg (Camy); 12 grandchildren and his sister Leone Asplundh Graham. He was predeceased by his brother Barr E. Asplundh.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Memorial Service, Sunday 4:00pm at the Bryn Athyn Cathedral, 900 Cathedral Rd. Bryn Athyn, PA. Interment Private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Paul S. Asplundh to: Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust, 2955 Edge Hill Rd. Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006 or to the Rosenfeld Cancer Center, 1200 Old York Rd. Abington, PA 19001.