Photo courtesy of Deedy Wilson
When Deedy Wilson walked into her home on Rittenhouse Lane back in 1966, she knew immediately this house was “the one.” Now, 57 years later,that same house is full of wonderful memories that she and her husband Rob shared while raising their children here. Marple Friends & Neighbors is pleased to share the story of these longtime members of our community.
Olivia Dee, known as “Deedy,” grew up on a farm on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The second oldest of six, she loved helping her mom out in the kitchen. To this day, she still loves to bake and her cookies are legendary. As a kid, she enjoyed life on the farm, even with no running water and an outhouse!
When Deedy finished high school she wanted a change from farm life, so she headed to Philadelphia to study at the Philadelphia Bible College. As a young girl, she thought she may become a nurse, but after meeting a friend who was studying to become a hairstylist, she realized that was a career she was more passionate about. She earned her stylist license at the Marinella School of Beauty in Philadelphia and worked in salons in Haverford for several years. Later, when she started a family, she cut hair out of her home for family and friends while she focused on caring for her children.
Rob’s upbringing was quite different from Deedy’s childhood on the farm. He and his sister were raised in Upper Darby and he graduated from Upper Darby High School, where he played baseball. Growing up he was involved in Little League and Cub Scouts and enjoyed playing with his neighborhood friends.
After high school Rob took courses at Pierce College before enlisting in the Navy. His father had served in the Navy, which had inspired Rob to do the same, just as the Vietnam War was going on. For two years Rob was aboard the USS Forrestal, a supercarrier named after the first United States Secretary of Defense James Forrestal. Thanks to the GI Bill, after his service in the Navy, Rob was able to complete his Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Pennsylvania in Management. He then went on to complete his Masters Degree at the Wharton School of Business.
Photo by Crissy Everyhart Photography
For many years Rob worked for PennFlex, the first manufacturer in America to produce flexible interlocked metal hose, where he served in many roles including Vice President. When that company closed, he had a long career at Bevco, another manufacturing company, before finding work at the Defense Logistics Agency as a contractor. Although he was not planning to retire when he did, Rob suffered a stroke in 1999, which left him with some physical challenges, including aphasia, the loss of ability to understand and express speech. Wanting to keep busy, Rob found a job as a ticket taker at the Regal Edgmont Movie theater, where he worked for 16 years. “Rob really enjoyed his work at the theater and he was so loved there,” said Deedy. “He was always recognized when we were out in the community. He was quite beloved by his customers.”
This August Deedy and Rob will celebrate 58 years of marriage. Deedy shared the story of how she and Rob met. “We were both at a party of a mutual friend when my friend’s mom said she knew the “perfect person” for me,” she explained. That perfect person was Rob and he took her out on their first date to a bowling alley. “I think to this day Rob is still upset that I beat him in bowling,” Deedy added jokingly.
Today Deedy and Rob enjoy spending peaceful evenings at home. Deedy can often be found doing a puzzle and still loves baking cookies, especially for her grandchildren and for the clients at her daughter’s hair salon in Newtown Square. She cares lovingly for Rob as he’s needed much more physical care since his stroke. Recently Deedy began suffering her own physical challenges after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. For Deedy and Rob, the couple said they’ve relied on their faith throughout their marriage. “It’s because of our faith in God that we are able to weather the storms that life brings,” Deedy said. Through it all the couple also still know how to have fun. When they turned 80, two years ago, the family celebrated with a big party for both of them. “Birthdays and holidays are always a lot of fun in our family,” Deedy added. “We love being together!”
Photo courtesy of Deedy Wilson
One thing the Wilson’s have also been blessed with is good neighbors. Since the late 1960s they’ve lived in the same house on Rittenhouse. When they were house hunting in the Broomall/Havertown area, their realtor showed them one he thought was perfect for the young couple. “I wasn’t convinced at first when I saw photos of the house,” said Deedy. “But as I walked in I said: This is the one!”
It wasn’t just the house itself that was special. They quickly connected with their neighbors, many of whom became lifelong friends. From taking vacations together to neighborhood gatherings and block parties, the Wilsons said their neighbors are not only fun to be around, but look out for each other. “Occasionally we’d consider the idea of moving, to get more space,” said Deedy. “But we knew we had a special home here and wonderful neighbors. There was no reason to leave!”
Rose Jehanian moved down the street just a few years after the Wilsons did and still lives on the block. “Rob and Deedy were so welcoming,” said Rose. “We had so much fun watching our children growing up together.” Since then many new couples and families have moved in, but the traditions have been kept alive. “We still have get-togethers and the neighborhood women like to have social gatherings several times a year to catch up,” Deedy added.
Photo courtesy of Deedy Wilson
Deedy and Rob raised three children here in Marple: Julie, Mark and Laura. Some of their fondest memories are being involved in their children’s school activities, especially the Marple Newtown High School (MNHS) marching band, which Mark and Laura were a part of. Rob loved the Friday night football games at MNHS and Deedy loved volunteering with the other band parents. “They are truly some of the nicest people!” she said. When Mark was growing up, Rob also enjoyed being a pack leader for Mark’s Boy Scout Troop and watching him play baseball for the local Little League.
All three of the Wilson children graduated from MNHS. Julie went to Widener University and is now a Project Manager in the pharmaceutical industry. She and her husband and their three grown sons live in West Chester. Deedy and Rob’s son Mark graduated from Shippensburg University and now lives in Louisville, Kentucky where he works as a team leader for Whole Foods Their youngest daughter Laura lives with her husband Frank in Springfield and is the owner of Salon Olivia in Newtown Square.
For the Wilson children, growing up on Rittenhouse Rd. was idyllic. Laura said that many of their childhood neighbors have become lifelong friends. “I still talk to many friends I grew up with. We love reminiscing about the good old days in the neighborhood,” she said.” “We were always outside playing, whether it was old fashioned outdoor games or board games, the neighborhood kids always wanted to be together,”Julie added. “We considered our neighbors like family, we even referred to some as aunt and uncle.”
Mark reiterated the same sentiments as his sisters about growing up on the block. “It was definitely like something you’d see on an old TV show,” he recalled. “The kids would all be outside all day playing and riding bikes until we were called by our parents to come in.”
When they weren’t spending time with neighborhood friends, the Wilsons were also very active in their church, Calvary Presbyterian in Upper Darby. They considered joining a congregation closer to home, but Rob had always gone to Calvary and much of his entire extended family were members there. Each week was like a family reunion! Deedy also played the piano and sang in the choir there. “Every Sunday we piled into the car to head to church,” said Deedy. “Not only did we have a lot of family there, but we made great friends, too. It was a big part of our lives.”
Summers for the Wilsons meant a 2-week trip to Ocean City and days by the pool at Marple Swim Club. “The kids from the neighborhood would swim all day and the parents enjoyed socializing there,” Laura said. “Summer was a really fun time.”
Now that their kids are grown, Deedy and Rob enjoy the peacefulness of the neighborhood and their home. Much has changed on the block and in Broomall since the late 1960s, but one thing remains the same, it’s the perfect home for the Wilsons.
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.