Joseph M. “Joe” Ascenzi, 71, former owner of Laurel Hill Gardens, a garden center and landscape company in Chestnut Hill, for 44 years until his retirement in 2025, passed away peacefully on Aug. 29 from complications of Parkinson’s disease. Wyndmoor resident Jake Bevan bought the business from Ascenzi on Feb. 28, 2025.
“I would say that Joe died of a broken heart, not of Parkinson’s disease,” Jimmy O’Neill, owner of O’Neill Masonry in Glenside and a close friend for decades, told the Local last week. “After his wife, Jennifer [Donohue], died, Joe was not the same. There is no medicine for a broken heart.”
Ascenzi married his wife in 1988 and she died in 2019. They had met at Temple University during the 1970s, first as friends.
“Joe had a certain kind of genius, but he was also down to earth,” O’Neill said. “I am grateful to God for putting him in my life. Joe was kind, intelligent, friendly and always calm. The world has lost a legend. I hope when I grow up, I get to be just like Joe. I want to say to him, ‘Play it sweet in heaven, my friend.’ He changed my entire existence 100 percent. I will be forever grateful. Because of Joe, I made a career in Chestnut Hill. He introduced me to all the right people.”
“I loved every minute we got to share together. Joe was the most patient person I have ever met,” said his sister, Anne Marie Wilson. “We lost a wonderful brother, uncle, great-uncle and best friend.”
“Joe was very proud of his years in Chestnut Hill at Laurel Hill Gardens,” said his brother, Larry Ascenzi. “His success speaks for itself. What stands out to me is the kind words he had for his staff and customers who over the years became friends. Joe was a quiet guy by nature, and I believe that let him to understand the world around him.”
Ascenzi was born in Philadelphia and raised in Ardsley, Abington Township. He graduated from Germantown Academy, attended Temple University, earning an associate’s degree in ornamental science and earning his bachelor’s degree in horticulture from Penn State University. He spent several years working in various aspects of horticulture, preparing for his true calling. He opened Laurel Hill Gardens in 1981.
He took great joy in designing and building unique gardens and enhancing landscapes. He also was instrumental in creating and managing the landscaped grounds at St. Joseph’s Villa, a place that would later care for him in his final days.
Always willing to help, Ascenzi often donated his skills to groups like the Abington Township Shade Tree Commission, Chestnut Hill Business Association, Morris Arboretum, the Philadelphia Zoo, the Philadelphia Flower Show and too many others to mention, including Christmas trees donated to those in need.
Jeffrey Flannery, a close friend for more than 50 years, told the Local, “My life was better for Joe being in it. It is no exaggeration to say that we considered each other brothers. We met at the A&P in Roslyn in 1974, where we were employed as clerks, and bonded over our shared tastes in music, cars (Joe owned a classic Corvette at the time), the occasional beer or two and mutual friends.
“I was in Joe’s wedding party when he married Jennifer, and Joe was in my wedding party when I married 10 years later. When I relocated to the Blue Bell area in 2025, it was my good fortune to be able to spend more time with Joe as he struggled with Parkinson’s. As I took him to doctors’ appointments, we renewed our close bonds while discussing the Phillies, Eagles and the state of the world in general.
“Joe was a great friend, unselfish, optimistic, giving and possessed of a great sense of humor. After a visit to my house, he sent a thank-you note, saying, ‘Thanks for ‘potting’ up with me.’ He developed a loyal following at Laurel Hill Gardens among his customers and associates because of his humanity and concern for others.”
Beyond the garden, Ascenzi had a love of music, cars and his pets, most recently cats Woodrow and Selma. He often could be found listening to Frank Sinatra, the Rat Pack, the Beatles and an occasional opera. These sounds were always on in his house, truck or car except when the Phillies were playing.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Jennifer; parents, Catherine and John Ascenzi; and his oldest brother, Charles. He had no children.
He is survived by his siblings, Larry Ascenzi (Christine) and Anne Marie Wilson (Peter) and sister-in-law Joanne, along with nieces, Lauren Logan (Matt) and Alyssa Randazzo (Joe, Enzo, Emilia), nephews John, Mark (Linnette) (Baylor), Alexander (Catherine) (Anthony) and Eric.
Ascenzi’s nieces, Lauren and Alyssa, gave a joint statement: “Our uncle Joe was a kind and gentle soul who always had dirt under his fingernails and a smile that reached his eyes. We will always treasure the childhood memories and love for nature he shared with us, and we’re definitely going to miss him saying, ‘See ya, sweets.’”
According to his wishes, Ascenzi had a Celebration of Life that was private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to St. Joseph’s Villa, Flourtown, or the Abington Township Shade Tree Commission. He also would appreciate anyone planting a tree in his memory.
Len Lear can be reached at lenlear@chestnuthilllocal.com.
