Neal N. Jensen

Known for his kindness, strong work ethic, and infectious laugh, Neal Jensen, 74, of Cromwell, Connecticut, passed away on February 21, 2026.

Born at Hartford Hospital in 1951 to Elizabeth and Victor Jensen, Neal was a devoted son who cared deeply for his family. He attended Rocky Hill High School and later graduated with honors from the UConn Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture in 1972. After graduating, Neal became a third-generation landscape architect and founded Jensen’s Landscaping, which operated out of Rocky Hill and Cromwell from 1975 to 2019.

Neal was introduced to the love of his life, Carol, in the spring of 1988. They were married on October 24, 1988 at the Watertown Congregational Church. Neal and Carol welcomed their two daughters, Karen and Christina in 1990 and 1991. Neal’s proudest accomplishment was raising his two daughters and later watching them bring their own children into the world — Griffin, Brody, Elliot, and Ruby. Neal loved animals, and over the years the family shared their home with many dogs and other pets. He leaves behind their beloved Bernese Mountain Dog, Leo. 

Neal was best known for his landscaping work. In addition to serving customers throughout Central Connecticut, he generously shared his knowledge and talents with family and friends — planting trees and creating landscapes that would be enjoyed for years to come. During the winter months, Jensen’s Landscaping provided snow plowing services. While Neal enjoyed this work less than the spring and summer seasons, he approached it with the same dedication and excellence, always willing to lend a helping hand to neighbors in need.

Outside of work, Neal enjoyed spending time outdoors. Some of his fondest memories were made at his family’s cottage on Middle Bolton Lake in Vernon where he spent his childhood swimming, fishing, boating, and playing with the family dogs. He proudly passed on those memories to his own kids and raised them to enjoy summers at “the lake.” Most recently, in 2025, Neal and Carol purchased a pontoon boat, and his final summer at the lake was one of his best — spending time on his new boat with his wife and their grandchildren.  

Neal was also a hiker and a musician. He enjoyed exploring trails throughout Central Connecticut, including Wadsworth Falls, the Hanging Hills, and Castle Craig. A lifelong music lover, he often reminisced about his time playing the trombone at Rocky Hill High School.

Neal will always be remembered for his kindness, the way he told stories, and how he could light up a room with his laughter while recalling funny memories. We will forever hear him saying, “It’s the big one!” whenever a winter storm rolls through. A loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Neal will be deeply missed, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved him.

Neal was preceded in death by his parents, Elizabeth and Victor Jensen; his brother, Bruce Jensen; and his grandson, Brody Filburn. He is survived by his wife, Carol Jensen; his daughters, Karen (Brendan) Filburn and Christi (Tyler) Magnano; his brother, Donald (Linda) Jensen and his sister, Linda (Daniel) Goodman. He also leaves behind three (soon to be four) grandchildren, and seven nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the nursing staff at Middlesex Hospital for the outstanding and compassionate care they provided Neal during his time there. As “Blizzard Calvin” (later renamed “Neal’s Blizzard”) approached at the time of his passing, the nurses honored Neal with a “Best Snow Plower” award, thoughtfully hanging it on his door.

A Memorial Service will be held at Brooklawn Funeral Home, 511 Brook St. Rocky Hill on Saturday, March 28 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Friends of Bolton Lakes:

Donate online: https://www.friendsofboltonlakes.org/become-an-fbl-member.html

Or by check:

Friends of Bolton LakesPO Box 1385Manchester, CT 06045