This month, Marple Friends & Neighbors is pleased to introduce you to the Lupica family: Chelsea, Anthony, Angelo and a baby on the way! Chelsea and Anthony are longtime Marple residents, and their story began right here in Broomall at Paxon Hollow Middle School. The two became friends in sixth grade and now 20 years later, they are raising their family right here in the same community.
Anthony grew up in a family of four with his parents, Tony and Joanne, and his sister, Samantha. They moved to Broomall in the mid-90s after Tony immigrated from Calabria, Italy, and initially settled in Overbrook before relocating to Broomall.
At just two years old, Anthony began his journey in Marple, attending local schools including Worrall Elementary and Marple Newtown High School (MNHS), where he graduated in 2011. An active youth, he participated in various sports and community leagues.
In high school, Anthony developed a strong work ethic, spending time assisting his father in the general contracting business. He later earned a degree in Business Management from West Chester University, followed by an MBA from Rosemont College.
Currently, Anthony works in Project Management within the Healthcare/Information Technology sector, where he enjoys facilitating team collaboration and bringing ideas to fruition.
Chelsea is one of four girls. Her parents, Gloria and Stephen raised their girls, Brittany, Lindsay, Chelsea and Mackenzie in the Lawrence Park section of Broomall and she attended Loomis, Paxon Hollow and MNHS. For Chelsea, growing up with three sisters was a lot of fun and they’re a close-knit
group. Since they were kids, Chelsea’s dad has been running a plumbing company that he named Banes &
Daughters. “The funny thing is none of us went into the plumbing business!” Chelsea said.
During her years at MNHS, Chelsea was active in several clubs including Interact, the BFFs club, student council and Alex’s Lemonade Stand. She was also one of the first members of LINK, a club that provides leadership experiences and opportunities for students.
It was also at MNHS that Chelsea became very interested in photography. “I was really inspired by my photography and art teachers, Mrs. Gardner, Mrs. Can and Mr. Winterbottom,” she explained. Her passion for photography led her to the University of The Arts in Philadelphia and in 2015 she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art. “I looked at a lot of |art schools and when I interviewed at the University of the Arts, I knew it was the one,” she said. “ I fell in love with the school!” Chelsea also discovered a passion for teaching and continued her education there, earning a Master’s in education in 2017.
Life came full circle for Chelsea and after earning her degrees, she began teaching art at two of her alma maters: Paxon Hollow and later MNHS. “I loved being back at Marple, especially since there were so many teachers there who had a positive impact on me,” she said. Chelsea later taught in the
Wissahickon School District before shifting gears in her career. Today, Chelsea is the owner of a photography studio called Photography by Chelsea Leigh. “I love meeting new families and capturing special milestones that they’ll cherish for years to come,” she said. Chelsea said running her own photography business has allowed her more flexibility with her son. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do and it just made sense as we were starting a family,” she explained.
Although Chelsea and Anthony had their first date just eight years ago at Teca in Newtown Square, their story began long before that. Friends since sixth grade, they made a lot of memories together over the years.
These “just friends” eventually became a couple and they tied the knot in October 2021 with a celebration at Renault Winery in New Jersey. Since then they’ve been enjoying married life in Broomall, especially since they have so many friends and family nearby. “We love the community,” said Chelsea. “After growing up here we knew we wanted to raise our own family in
Broomall.” The Lupica’s home happens to be on the same street where Chelsea grew up and she lives right up the street from one of her sisters. Between Anthony and Chelsea there are lots of relatives in Marple and throughout Delaware County.
In September 2023 the couple welcomed their son, Angelo and are getting excited for baby number two, due in February. Their family also includes their two pups: Louis and Luna. Six-year-old Louis is a rescue and weighs just 10lbs. “Louis loved playing with other dogs so much, we decided to get him another dog a few months later,” said Chelsea. Luna is a four-year-old mini Australian Shepard, a great companion for Louis.
There is nothing more important to Chelsea and Anthony than family. With so many family members in the area, there are lots of opportunities to spend time together. They even now have a family tradition celebrating Christmas in July. You’ll find them on a large decorated float in the Marple Newtown Fourth of July parade, complete with Santa Claus!
Thank you to the Lupicas for sharing your story with your friends and neighbors. We look forward to seeing you in the Fourth of July parade next year with your newest addition!
Do you know a Marple family, individual or nonprofit group who should become known by our community? Make your nominations for upcoming feature articles by emailing your ideas to Holly Stupak at HStupak@BestVersionMedia.com.