The Putter Family: Capturing Meaningful Moments

by Sheila Turner-Hilliard

This month Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors is pleased to introduce you to The Putter Family: Andrew, Deb, Luke, Sam and Max. Whether they are busy making memories as a family or helping others create their own, the Putters appreciate and embrace the adventure.

Andrew is originally from Melville, NY, on Long Island. He attended Half Hollow Hills High School in Melville before attending the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree and was a member of the Penn Rowing Team. Andrew then continued his studies at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Dental Medicine, earning his Doctorate of Medical Dentistry (DMD) with clinical honors.

Today, Andrew owns Dental Associates at Pitman in Pitman, NJ. “My career is very rewarding,” he said. “I enjoy making my patients feel more comfortable about their smiles and appreciate being able to relieve any pain they are experiencing.”

Aside from his career, Andrew enjoys staying active. He is an avid runner who has completed many marathons, including the Boston Marathon and is a current member of the Penn Alumni Rowing Team; who will be competing in the Head of the Charles and Head of the Schuylkill races this year. “I’ve recently started playing racquet sports like squash and pickleball,” he said. “I just added padel to my list and enjoy playing with friends at Merion Cricket Club.”

Deb grew up in Millville, NJ, with her parents and two brothers. She attended Millville Senior High School, where she played tennis and softball. Deb said, “Millville may be a small town, but major league baseball player and avid Philadelphia sports fan Mike Trout put us on the map!”

After high school, Deb furthered her education at the University of Delaware, earning her Bachelor of Science in Human Resources. After college, she worked as a personal banking officer at MBNA America in Wilmington and Baltimore. “I was with MBNA for 10 years before deciding to stay home to raise my boys,” Deb explained. “Now that my boys are older, I have had the opportunity to turn my love for photography into a thriving business.”

“I have always been passionate about photography since I can remember, but once I became a mom, it became much more important to me,” Deb explained. “Kids grow and change so fast, and when I realized how much my own family portraits meant to me, I decided that I wanted to give that gift to others.”

Deb enjoys working with families and clients of all ages, using her creativity for both the photo shoots as well as the editing process. “I love to create prints in my studio and capture the beauty of nature for wall-art photography.” Deb said that she continually challenges herself to learn new techniques in shoots and editing. She also uses her talents to give back to the community, often donating photo sessions and framed photography to local schools and charities.

Deb and Andrew first met in the fall of 2002 after they “clicked” on Match.com. Their first date was at Mikimoto’s in Wilmington for sushi. “We realized we had so many common interests and goals right away, so it was a very natural connection,” Deb remarked. The couple married in October of 2004 at Aronimink Golf Club and honeymooned in the Islands of Tahiti, where they enjoyed the sun, sand and scuba diving in the South Pacific. “That was the very beginning of 20+ years of building a life and family together.”

Married life began in the Society Hill neighborhood in Philadelphia. While it served them well in the early stages, Andrew and Deb wanted a larger home with a big yard to raise their family. They began their search in the suburbs and found the perfect home in Edgmont. Andrew said they fell in love with the scenic tranquility and living so close to Ridley Creek State Park and Okehocking Preserve. Deb said that they knew it would be a great place to raise their children because there were so many choices of excellent schools.

Deb and Andrew’s oldest son, Luke, is a Junior at The Haverford School where he is on both the water polo and swim teams. He enjoys weightlifting and woodworking and wants to play water polo in college. Andrew said that Luke is a hard worker and self-motivated. “In addition to Luke being a lifeguard in the summer, he and his lifelong friend (also Luke) run their own power washing business called 2 Lukes Power Washing.”

Sam, Andrew and Deb’s second child, is a Freshman at The Haverford School and on the water polo and swim teams. Sam also loves to ski and shares his mother’s love for photography.

“Sam has a wicked sense of humor and loves to play pranks on us,” Deb laughed. “One time, he came running up to us in a panic and yelled, ‘Mom, Dad, water is running from the dishwasher!’ We came sprinting into the kitchen, expecting a flood, only to find he had lined up sneakers filled with water bottles that were "running" from the dishwasher.” continued on page 10

You spent a lifetime doing it all to get where you are today. Now it’s time to think about your future. Riddle Village may be the perfect fit for your next chapter in life.

Give us 60 days; we give you the future!

Reach out today to learn more about our apartment renovation program and how we can have you living your best life in just 60 days.

Their youngest son, Max, is a very active seventh grader at The Haverford School. Max runs track and field and, like his older brothers, is a member of the water polo and swim teams. His parents describe Max as soft-spoken and kind-hearted, with a vested interest in environmental science. “Max is also an excellent cook,” remarked Deb. “He is always trying new recipes but especially loves making these fluffy, souffle-like pancakes called Japanese Jiggly Pancakes.”

Adding to this active crew are the Putter’s two pups, Leo and Chewy. Leo is a six-year-old mixed-breed rescue the family adopted from Providence Animal Center and Chewy is their three-year-old Bernedoodle, whom the boys named after Chewbacca in Star Wars. While both pups love going on hikes and car rides, Leo cherishes his long naps in the sun, while Chewy enjoys being the center of attention every chance he can get!

As a family, the Putters enjoy spending most of their time outdoors. “We have been members of St. Albans Swim and Tennis Club since the boys were babies,” Deb said. “All three boys learned to swim there and now compete on their swim team.” She added that this summer, both Luke and Sam will be working there as lifeguards. The whole family is also avid racquet sports players and enjoys playing at Merion Cricket Club as often as they can. Deb especially loves competing on their tennis and paddle teams.

Buying or Selling a Home Succeeds With INTEGRITY

“During the pandemic, when we had to shelter at home, we built a pickleball court on our driveway,” Andrew said. “Every night after dinner, we would turn on music and play pickleball together until it got dark.” Deb said it was a great way to spend quality family time and that they still play often.

When they want to hit the road, the Putters launch their small boat named The Rubber Ducky at the boat ramp at Flat Rock Park in Gladwyne for water sports, The Delaware River in Philadelphia for sightseeing, and the Jersey Shore for some sun and salty air. They also enjoy hitting the ski slopes each winter in upstate New York and Colorado and spending their spring breaks hiking, snorkeling and deep-sea fishing in the Caribbean.

For as much as the family likes to travel, Deb, Andrew and the boys cherish their time at home and making time for family traditions. For the past 16 years, they have taken the “Santa Express” train ride from the West Chester Railroad with friends and family. They also love going through the Bates Motel haunted house every Halloween and visiting Arasapha Farms in Glen Mills each year to cut down their Christmas tree.

“Our family’s motto is, ‘You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take’,” Deb explained. Andrew, Deb, Luke, Sam and Max: Whether those shots are photographs of the memories you are making or shots at opportunities to grow and learn, we can be sure your family is well on your way to your very own championship win!

Do you know a Newtown Edgmont family, individual or nonprofit group who should become known by our community? Make your nominations for upcoming feature articles by emailing your ideas to Sheila Turner-Hilliard at STurnerHilliard@BestVersionMedia.com. E