Bernard D'Ascenzo, master jewelry designer

BERNARD D'ASCENZO, who became a highly respected 50-year fixture on Jewelers Row, had not intended to be a jeweler when he arrived in this country from Italy.

He had studied architecture. But in one of those chance episodes that can send a life in unexpected directions, Bernard began designing jewelry as a favor for a friend.

The friend had a shop on Jewelers Row on Sansom Street, and Bernard saw the work as a way to earn money to continue his education in America.

The truth was, he didn't think he knew what he was doing in that jewelry shop. "I didn't think I'd be asked to come back to work the next day," he once said.

But he was. And his life's work was set.

Bernard D'Ascenzo, who opened his own shop on Sansom Street in 1954 and was in demand as a jewelry designer for other jewelers on the row, died of cancer Monday. He was 82 and was living in Dunwoody Village in Newtown Square but had previously lived in Drexel Hill.

He did not completely forget architecture, his original career choice.

"Even today, when I visit New York, those beautiful, majestic buildings always take me back to my younger days and dreams that someday I may design the next Empire State Building," he said recently.

"At the same time, after 50 years in this industry, my mind still thrives on creating better and more beautiful jewelry - the same way it had back then."

Bernard came to the U.S. in 1945 from Roseto degli Abruzzi, Italy. He had studied architecture in high school in Italy, and when he arrived in Philadelphia to stay with relatives, he intended to continue his studies.

After opening his own shop, he began to specialize in custom, handmade platinum and gemstone jewelry. The pieces he created were regarded as beautiful, heirloom-quality works of art, and he took pride in every piece he made at his bench.

In 2003, the Jewelers of America awarded him the designation of Certified Master Bench Jeweler, the highest level in its bench- jeweler certification program.

He was only the sixth jeweler in Pennsylvania - and the 106th in the nation - to receive this distinction.

Bernard married Theresa Giarrocco in 1950 and they raised their family in Drexel Hill. She died in 2005.

He enjoyed golf and tennis and was a longtime member of the Overbrook Country Club and Bala Golf Club.

Bernard maintained a home in Roseto, a beach town on the Adriatic, where he was born. He visited there at least once a year to renew ties with family and friends who remained there.

"Bernard loved people and had a friendly smile and conversation for everyone he met," his family said.

He was a member of the Caterina de Medici Gastronomic Society, through which he liked to expand his knowledge and appreciation of Italian food, wine and culture. He was an avid winemaker himself and enjoyed sharing his product with friends.

"Everyone who knew him will agree that he loved life, and embraced it to its fullest," his family said.

He is survived by two sons, Dominic and Bernard Jr.; a sister, Maria DeLeo, and three grandchildren. Besides his wife, he was predeceased by a daughter, Juliana.

Services: Funeral Mass 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Bernadette of Lourdes Church, 1035 Turner Ave., Drexel Hill. Friends may call at 6 p.m. Monday at the D'Anjolell Memorial Home of Broomall, 2811 West Chester Pike, Broomall, and at 10 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in Ss. Peter & Paul Cemetery, Marple.

Donations may be made to the church, at ZIP code 19026.