5 minute read
The Eburuohs: Feeling at Home in Newtown Square
Resident Feature by Craig Whitney
Photos by Shannon Lynn Photography www.ShannonLynnPhotography.com
Lary and Rita Eburuoh grew up in the same township in Nigeria. Despite Lary moving to the United States before they met, he and Rita are now happily married with children in Newtown Square. Seeing the Eburuohs now, it’s hard to believe that their family started by a chance encounter in Nigeria.
Rita was living in Nigeria at the time, in a town called Nkwerre in Imo State. Lary was already living in the United States, but had returned to his hometown, Eziachi. Rita was at Mass one Sunday when she saw Lary several pews ahead of her. “I saw him at church and realized I hadn’t seen him around town before,” Rita said. “I remember thinking he looked nice. Then I pretended I wasn’t looking at him.”
Several days later, Rita was told that a message from the United States was waiting for her, but to get that message, she had to go to Eziachi. So Rita and a friend traveled from her town to Eziachi, about a 45-minute walk, to the address of the person who had the message for her. She was shocked to see that she was walking into Lary’s family’s home, to receive a message from the boy she had seen in church. “I gave him my phone number and address before I left,” Rita explained. “And from there on, it was non-stop, like nothing could keep us away from each other.” Rita and Lary kept dating while she attended the University of Nigeria in Nsukka and Lary attended Cheyney University near West Chester, PA.
Lary and Rita Eburuoh
After Rita graduated from the University of Nigeria, she was finally able to come to the United States, where she completed her residency at Howard University Hospital in Washington, DC. She’s currently the Clinical Director in the ambulatory outpatient clinic of a North Philadelphia health care center. “I love it,” Rita raved. “If it weren’t for our clinic, many of our patients would have nowhere else to go. My joy going to work every day is knowing that I’m there for those patients, and they really appreciate what we do.”
After Lary’s primary education in Nigeria, he graduated from Cheyney University of PA with a degree in Industrial Technology and Industrial Management. He later earned his MBA degree in Finance from Jefferson University. In addition to several professional certifications, Lary obtained his real estate certification from Polley Associates Real Estate Education in Newtown Square. During and after college, he worked with various companies in different categories and disciplines which included a Wall Street fund management company. He later discovered his calling in real estate where he has passionately assisted hundreds of people fulfill their dreams of owning their homes. He is currently working as a real estate broker and co-owner of Nova Realty.
When Lary and Rita got married in 1997, they began their lives together in Philadelphia. After they started having kids, they moved to Aldan where all of the kids attended Blessed Virgin Mary School, then moved to Newtown Square in 2015 when they needed more space. They’re fortunate that Rita’s mother, Fidelia Nkpado, lives with them to help with the children.
The Eburuoh Children (L to R, top to bottom): Alvin, Michelle, Justin, Schola, and Jennifer with their grandmother, Fidelia
Photo courtesy of Shannon Lynn Photography www.ShannonLynnPhotography.com
Fidelia has been an incredibly helpful part of raising their children in Newtown Square. She moved from Nigeria to live with them shortly after Rita and Lary began having children, which became especially helpful once they had five children in a short timeframe. “My mom helped us raise all of our children,” Rita explained. “"She played a key role in meeting their many needs. Everything we’ve needed, she’s been here for us. Even after a traumatic fall and long recover last summer, she continues to be an integral part of our lives.” Fidelia is still an active member of the family and the community, widely known across Newtown Square as a central part of the Eburuoh family.
Lary and Rita’s oldest, Alvin, now 21, attended Cardinal O’Hara High School where he was on the basketball and football teams. He also ran track and field. Athletics were very important to Alvin, as fun activities, healthy competition and team-building. Alvin is currently a rising senior at the University of Delaware, double-majoring in Finance and MIS. He has been able to translate his love of sports professionally: He’s been chosen for an internship with Under Armour.
Lary and Rita’s second child and oldest daughter Schola, now age 20, also attended O’Hara. She was a cheerleader all four years. She also participated in track and field, and specialized in various jump events. While at O'Hara, she held the school record for high jump and triple jump. Schola is now a junior at Catholic University in Washington, DC, majoring in Architecture with a minor in Sustainability and Economics. She’s very active in the Catholic University community, and participates in many service events for the homeless and Habitat for Humanity.
Jennifer, 17, graduated in June from Cardinal O'Hara High School, and was her class Valedictorian. She was a freshman at O’Hara when the Eburuoh family moved to Newtown Square. Even though Jennifer was new to the school and local communities, she didn’t wait to get involved. Jennifer was an active member of the Hi-Q academic quiz competition, the World Affairs Club, and community service projects such as food drives and soup kitchens. She played soccer and softball at O’Hara and was a member of the St. Anastasia’s high school youth group. She’s excited to start at the University of Notre Dame in the fall, and expects to major in Theology and pre-med studies.
Justin, 14, will be a freshman at Devon Prep this fall. While he attended St. Anastasia grade school, he played basketball, football and soccer. He was a mass server and a member of the track team. Like his sister Jennifer, he’s going into a brand-new school system not knowing many people. Devon Prep offers many activities that Justin will join, including soccer, basketball and track. He also enjoys theater, and was a member of the stage crew for some of St. Annie’s past productions.
Michelle, 11, now a St. Annie’s 6th-grader, is like her older siblings in that she enjoys playing basketball, soccer, and running track. Besides sports, Michelle was also a class representative for her 5th grade class and was on the school’s Student Council. She designs posters and will not hesitate to give a speech if needed, something she’s never nervous doing. She seems to thrive in the spotlight, perhaps due to having participated in some of St. Annie’s theatre productions. Michelle was a cast member for St. Annie’s production of Peter Pan, and is very excited about this fall’s show, Frozen.
The Eburuohs have made Newtown Square their home since 2015.
As Lary and Rita are raising their children in Newtown Square with Rita’s mother, their kids have become very involved in their school, church, and local communities. They were surprised at how quickly they made great friends and built connections in Newtown Square, and are excited to continue growing here.
