The Altobelli Family: Raising a Family in Newtown Square

A wonderful, loving family that loves living in Newtown Square

by Craig Whitney

All Photos by Shannon Lynn Photography www.ShannonLynnPhotography.com

The Altobellis were a wonderful family to interview, not just because of their genuine kindness and love for each other, but because their story seems so unexpected and predestined all at the same time.

The Altobelli Family - L to R: Nick, Emelyn, Nathan, Maclin, and Dana

Growing up, Nick Altobelli spent each summer at Sea Isle City; Dana’s summers were in the Poconos. Nick is a quiet, reserved person who appreciates science and mathematics.Dana is an outgoing person who taught elementary school for many years. Despite the odds seeming to be against them, the two were paired together in a number of unexpected ways and have become a strong and loving family.

One evening in late summer 2006, Dana and her sister Tara happened to be in Sea Isle City. Tara and her then-boyfriend (now-husband) Brian were going out, to walk the promenade and meet up with Brian's college roommate, Nick. Tara invited Dana to come along. The four of them had a fun evening. Little did Nick and Dana know that night would be the start of an entire life together. In 2007, Nick and Dana began dating.

Nick and Dana Altobelli

Dana is really outgoing and talks to everyone and anyone,” Nick said with a smile. Dana quickly added, “I was immediately drawn to Nick’s hard-working personality, and I knew he would do anything for me.”

Three years later, Nick and Dana got married at Saint Anastasia in Newtown Square. Nathan was born several years later. They were living in a small two-bedroom home in Conshohocken - a town they loved - but they knew they were going to have more kids. Newtown Square became a clear option and ticked every box on their list.

I loved the neighborhood from the very beginning,” Dana glowed. “I love the schools and the sports programs, it is a really great neighborhood for a young family.”

In addition to the schools and the sports programs, there are also family members on both sides all around them. Dana’s parents live in Broomall. Her sister Tara and her husband Brian are raising their family in Havertown. And Nick’s family is in Springfield.

The Altobellis - L to R: Nick, Maclin, Dana, Nathan, Emelyn

It was obvious that the Altobellis were going to start the next chapter of their lives in Newtown Square, but that didn’t make the timing of the move any easier. They officially moved into their new home in October of 2015, and in November their daughter Emelyn was born. “It was definitely crazy,” Dana laughed. “But we loved being in this neighborhood right away, it made it much easier.”

Nathan, age 5, loves reading the dictionary, solving puzzles and playing with LEGOs. He is a lot like his father Nick in his preference for quiet and the joy he gets from problem-solving. Nathan recently started playing basketball and tee-ball, and also has a clear love for the outdoors.

Nick and Dana recently signed Nathan up for an "Introduction to Robots" course at his school. The program teaches the basics of robotic computing, and gives kids a fun resource to learn about STEM.

One of Nathan’s favorite things to do is go on vacations to the mountains. The whole extended family has begun purchasing homes in the same lakeside development in the Poconos. All the kids get to go out and explore the lake, go fishing on paddle boats and hike through the woods. The Altobellis spend every Thanksgiving at the lakehouse, where there could potentially be upwards of 50 people rotating around the 5 different homes.

While we were talking with Nathan, his 3-year-old sister Emelyn ran up, eager to share her own side of the story with us. She has a doll house and many toys she loves. When we asked her about Nathan, she quickly said that he was her best friend and she loves spending time with him.

Emelyn loves playing dress-up with jewelry and makeup. She is a bright light of optimism that warms up the whole home. “Emelyn is a clone of Dana but with blonde hair,” says Nick with a chuckle.

Their youngest child, Maclin, is 10 months old and rounds out the team of five. Dana described Maclin as laid back, the perfect calming presence to match his siblings. Emelyn said when Maclin gets big enough, he can play with all her favorite toys.

Altobelli Children (L to R): Emelyn (3), Maclin (10 months), Nathan (5)

In addition to vacations with their extended family, Nick and Dana also make an effort to travel somewhere new every year with their kids. This year Niagara Falls; a year ago, they all went to Disney World.

Now that they have been in Newtown Square for more than three years, Nick and Dana feel very comfortable with their home, their neighborhood and their community.

One special community they have started to become a part of is the Newtown Edgemont Little League (NELL). Nathan has started tee-ball this year, and Nick was shocked at how enthusiastic and supportive all the parents are.

There is a culture in place here where everyone chips in,” Nick said. “People understand that you don’t need to be the coach or the person who’s been here the longest if you want to help out in your own way.”

The enthusiasm of the Newtown Square community is something that is contagious to every newcomer. Neighbors are always willing to go out of their way when someone is in need. A fellow parent is always willing to help out when a player on the team needs it. It’s a culture that has spread throughout Newtown Square and becomes very clear to someone new once they step into it.

Dana and Nick are very happy to have found a place like this, and look forward to raising their family here for many years to come.

If you would like to nominate a neighbor who might like to be featured in one of our upcoming issues, contact us at cwhitney@bestversionmedia.com.