5 minute read
Team Tulskie: A Family Unit in Newtown Square
Resident Feature by Craig Whitney
Photos courtesy of Shannon Lynn Photography www.ShannonLynnPhotography.com
Ed and Patti Tulskie both grew up in Springfield but were from different parishes. They met when they both attended Cardinal O’Hara High School. They dated for several years but would go their separate ways after Ed’s second year of college. “We were always friends, kept in touch,” Patti explained. Their paths would cross again years later.
Ed and Patti Tulskie
Photo by Shannon Lynn Photography www.ShannonLynnPhotography.com
Patti received her undergraduate at West Chester University, then graduated from Widener University with a master’s degree in elementary education and a reading specialist certificate.
After attending Lehigh University, Ed went into financial services. He always had a passion for acting, though, and decided to move to New York City to pursue his goal. He had some success in a commercial and a music video, including a lead role in Bon Jovi’s first-ever music video, Silent Night. He eventually returned to the Newtown Square area and to his career in the financial services industry.
When the two reconnected, it was like no time had passed. Within a matter of months, Ed and Patti eloped to Elkton, Maryland. “It was the kind of thing where we had so much history, and once we were back together we knew we were going to spend our lives together,” Ed said.
The marriage was then blessed by Ed’s cousin, Fr. Bob Chapman at St. Anastasia Church, where Patti had been a parishioner for some time. This gave the entire family and a few close friends the chance to celebrate the marriage. In the coming years, they would have three children: Grace, Rose (nicknamed Muffy by Grace before birth), and Jack.
When Patti and Ed got married, she was living in a Newtown Square apartment. Soon thereafter, they moved to their first house in Newtown Square. As their family grew to five, they looked for their next home, Ed asked Patti where she would like to live. Ed said her reply was...
“I had been living here since 1986 and loved it,” Patti raved. “This was home to me, simple as that.”
Patti is employed by the Chester County Intermediate Unit as a Reading Specialist. Ed has his own food ingredients distribution company in Newtown Square.
The Tulskie Family children: (back) Grace and Jack, with Muffy and pup Tucker
Photo by Shannon Lynn Photography www.ShannonLynnPhotography.com
Grace, now age 23, attended St. Anastasia, then Archbishop John Carroll High School. She ran track and cross country all through grade school and track all four years in high school. She still has a passion for running. Grace graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in accounting and finance. “Grace is a hard worker and always has been,” Patti explained. “She would babysit after school and on weekends, and has had her own money for a long time now.”
Grace currently works in the Investment Manager Services department at SEI Investments. Having recently graduated from college, she is happy to be working full-time. Grace has rented a house in Sea Isle City with her friends for the summer, and heads down the shore every weekend. Ed and Patti are very proud that she is independent enough one year out of college to manage her life so well.
Everybody’s friend: Muffy Tulskie
Photo by Shannon Lynn Photography www.ShannonLynnPhotography.com
Muffy, who is excited for her 21st birthday this fall, has been planning the celebration for months. She attended Newtown Square Presbyterian Church Nursery School, as did her brother and sister. She is currently in her last year at St. Katherine’s Day School, which is a special education school housed within Archbishop Carroll where she and her brother could go to school together. Muffy works in Newtown Square at From the Top Studio of Dance with her friend, Sheila Turner, the dance studio’s Owner. She is a greeter and an assistant social media content creator. Muffy also recently began interning at Creative Financial Group, a local financial planning company. “Muffy is personable, never had a bad day in her life,” said Ed. “That’s right,” Muffy added. “Muffy is a planner,” Patti joined in. “She loves to fill her time with fun activities with family and friends.”
Muffy has played Challenger baseball at NELL for years. She is also part of the Unified Bocce team at Carroll, which pairs Carroll students with St. Katherine students. This year was their first year as a team, and they won districts. Muffy and the team got to travel to Hershey, PA for the state competition.
Patti and Ed’s son Jack attended St. Anastasia Elementary School, and recently graduated from Archbishop Carroll High School. He attended St. Anastasia Elementary School before that. Jack was a member of the National Honor Society and the Best Buddies program, and has played many sports through the years. In addition to Varsity baseball and golf at Carroll, Jack was a member of the 13-year old Broomall Newtown Babe Ruth team that won the World Series in 2014, an accomplishment still celebrated today. He continues to play Legion baseball at Broomall Newtown for his last year. Jack is heading to Virginia Tech, to pursue a degree in engineering. “Jack is fun-loving, respectful, and always has been a team player,” Patti said. “And he’s a hard worker, too.”
Another member of the Tulskie family is Tucker, a chocolate labradoodle. Tucker is a popular member of the neighborhood. With the electric fence, Tucker is outside most days saying hello to the dogs in the neighborhood. People bring their dogs over for playdates on the lawn, or stop by on their walks to say hi. Tucker has a knack for making new friends!
The Tulskie Family (left to right): Grace, Ed, pup Tucker, Patti, Muffy and Jack
Photo by Shannon Lynn Photography www.ShannonLynnPhotography.com
“When Ed and I were in Pre-Cana," Patti explained, "we heard the phrase ‘You’re both pulling the same wagon.’ They’re both the same idea, how it’s important to work together and stay together through life’s ups and downs.”
Team Tulskie has stayed together through it all, and they owe it partially to the Newtown Square community around them. Newtown Square was a commitment they made decades ago, and one they continue to cherish today.
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