The DiBerardo Family: Family Is the Heart of Their Broomall Home

Resident Feature by Holly Stupak

Photos by Sierra Clark Photography www.SierraClarkPhoto.com

When it came to finding the perfect home to start their married life and raise a family, it was a no-brainer for Salvatore (Sal) and Alexis DiBerardo. Sal had lived in Broomall for over 20 years, surrounded by extended family including his loving grandparents. Sal and his dad were both graduates of Marple Newtown High School, and had fond memories of growing up in the Marple community. Although Sal’s wife Alexis is not from the area, she embraced Sal’s hometown and knew from Sal’s stories of his childhood that it was a great place to live.

Now, with a one-year-old daughter and another baby girl due in November, they feel lucky to own a home in this close-knit community, and they love their family-friendly neighborhood. “Sal had so many fun stories about growing up here in Broomall,” said Alexis. “We can’t wait for our girls to have the same experience.”

Sal attended Saint Anastasia School and played CYO hockey and soccer for St. Pius X. In 2009, he graduated from MNHS, which his three sisters also attended and which his youngest sister currently attends. “I got a great education at Marple Newtown!” raved Sal. “I loved that my dad and my sister and I even shared a couple of the same teachers.”

Sal, Gia and Alexis DiBerardo

Meanwhile, Alexis grew up with her parents and two sisters in Berks County, PA, and graduated from Wilson High School in 2009. Alexis played basketball for three years at her high school, which was known to be very competitive in athletics. The school's football team has even included players who went on to play professionally.

Alexis and Sal met their freshman year in college. They lived in the same dorm and, after several chance meetings in the elevator, they started walking to class together, formed a friendship and eventually started dating. Sal ended up transferring to a different college, but the two continued their relationship. Born only a day apart (Sal likes to remind her she is a day older!), they realized they shared a similar sense of humor and the same values. “Sal has a more serious, practical side than I do,” said Alexis, “but I’m more of a worrier. We really balance each other out.”

Sal pursued a degree in Finance at West Chester University and received his B.S. in 2013. All four years in college, Sal worked as an intern at Apple in their King of Prussia location. By working for Apple and doing rotations at a few different businesses, he developed his many technology skills.

A networking opportunity then led him to his current job in property and casualty insurance. What he likes most about his job as a carrier underwriter is helping business owners achieve peace of mind through detailed risk management. He typically travels a lot throughout the mid-Atlantic region, but due to the pandemic, he’s been working from home and getting to spend more time with his family.

Alexis was working for Main Line Health in Bryn Mawr when Sal told her about an opportunity at his company. Knowing how passionate Sal is about his company and his job, Alexis knew that it must be a great opportunity and couldn’t pass it up. She’s now the Administrator for the college internship program, helping place local college students in fields that interest them. “I really enjoy helping students achieve their career goals!” said Alexis. “And the other best part of my job? Working with Sal!”

As a young couple, they lived in the Fairmount section of Philadelphia. “We look back on that time fondly,” said Sal. “The year we lived there, the Eagles won the Super Bowl so we got to experience the parade and other fun events in the city.” They then decided to move to the suburbs, and found a great place in Broomall. On the very day they bought their home, they found out that the Goldendoodle puppy they were waiting for was ready, so they picked up “Copper” after closing and welcomed him into their new home!

Sal and Alexis were married in August 2018, at St. Pius X in Broomall. Their wedding downtown was at the Union Trust in Philadelphia, followed by a beautiful honeymoon in Italy. What they didn’t know was that their wedding photographer submitted their photos to Philadelphia Wedding, a publication of Philadelphia Magazine, and they got the great surprise of seeing their photo in the Summer/Fall 2019 issue!

Gia DiBerardo

The DiBerardos have a daughter, Gia, who turned one in September. She’s very active and was already walking at only 9 months old. Full of personality, she loves listening to music, especially Disney songs. “She’ll dance to anything, too, even commercials,” said Alexis. “Gia just LOVES music!”

Alexis and Sal DiBerardo, eagerly awaiting baby girl #2

Although they’re keeping the baby’s name a secret, girl number two is due to arrive in early November. The girls will be close in age, and Alexis and Sal look forward to traveling with them. “We can’t wait to take them to Disney World as they get older. We’d even love to celebrate their fall birthdays and Halloween there.”

When Gia was just four months old and right before COVID-19 affected everyone’s travel plans, the DiBerardos took a trip to Exuma, Bahamas, and found Gia to be a great travel companion. Another favorite place? The Jersey shore! Every summer, they look forward to spending a week with extended family in Wildwood Crest.

The DiBerardo Family at Veterans Memorial Park in Broomall

Working from home together with a young baby may sound stressful to most people, but Sal and Alexis have really cherished this time. “The silver lining has been getting to spend much more time with Gia, and not missing any special moments,” said Alexis. “We get to see things through our daughter’s eyes now, and we love activities like baking and crafting and spending time with family.”

With many typical plans put on hold, the DiBerardos appreciate the extra time to work in their yard and to take Gia and Copper for walks in their neighborhood. Their motto: Family is the Heart of the Home!

Do you know a family that readers of our magazine might like to meet in an upcoming issue? Nominate them by email to Holly Stupak at HStupak@BestVersionMedia.com.