Newtown Edgmont Friends & Neighbors is pleased to introduce you to The Tarrs: Jon, Erica, Genevieve and Juliette. Their family’s roots run deep in our community, and that’s why they feel right here at home.
Jon grew up in Media with his parents and three sisters, Megan, Amanda and Kelly. “I also grew up with my large extended family, including my grandparents, aunts, uncles and 20 first cousins,” he said. Jon attended Media Elementary School, Springton Lake Middle School and graduated from Penncrest High School, where he played on the lacrosse team and enjoyed working on computers.
After high school, Jon went to college for a semester but realized that it wasn’t the route he wanted to take. “It just wasn’t for me. I’m a guy who loves to use my mind and my hands to build things; in fact, I built my first computer when I was 12 years old.” He said that he has always been fascinated with computer hardware and the inner workings of a system, so he decided to make a career out of his passion. Today, Jon runs his own business that not only builds computer systems but also designs websites and writes code to help his clients achieve their online objectives.
Like Jon, Erica grew up in Media. She lived with her parents and two older brothers, Danny and Jared. Erica attended Indian Lane Elementary and Springton Lake Middle School and graduated from Penncrest High School, where she was a cheerleader and took dance classes at a local studio. After graduation, Erica went to the University of Delaware and earned her degree in nursing.
She began her nursing career at Lancaster General Hospital as a Neuro/Telemetry Nurse taking care of adults. When she and Jon moved to Wallingford, Erica started her pediatric nursing career at Exceptional Care for Children in Newark, DE, and worked there for nine years. “I started working at Chester County Hospital in Labor and Delivery two years ago, and I love my job,” she remarked. “Helping moms deliver their babies and witnessing those first moments of a baby’s life is incredibly rewarding and heartwarming.”
Equally as heartwarming is Jon and Erica’s love story. “Jon and I first met in 5th grade,” Erica said. “We were both in the gifted program in our elementary schools and the district arranged a field trip for all of us to go to the Goddard Space Center in Maryland.” Erica recalled how one of her classmates on the bus trip thought Jon was cute but was too shy to ask if he had a girlfriend. “I told her that I would send him an email to find out,” she laughed. “It turns out that I ended up sending Jon’s dad (John) the email because I added an h to his first name. His dad thought it was hilarious, printed the email and gave it to Jon.”
Time went by as Erica and Jon were busy with school, sports and friends. Before they knew it, they found themselves reconnecting when they got to Springton Lake Middle School. “We started dating in seventh grade, and have grown up together from middle school to now. “Apparently, it was pretty obvious to all of our classmates that we had something special because we were voted “Cutest Couple/Match Made in Heaven” in our 8th-grade yearbook,” Jon said.
There is a quote by poet and author Atticus that says, “The beautiful thing about young love is the truth in our hearts that it will last forever.” It’s not very often these days to hear of couples that stand the test of time through their formative years. Still, Erica and Jon’s relationship continued to grow
through high school and earned them the senior superlative title of “Most Likely to Get Married.” They continued their relationship while Erica was in college and then moved to Lancaster, where she got her first nursing position.
“We loved living in Lancaster,” Erica said. “Jon and I found it to be a beautiful, peaceful place, but we missed being close to our families.” After some time, they decided that they would move back home, but before they did, Erica and Jon invited their family and friends to Lancaster to celebrate their wedding in the fall of 2013. The newlyweds then set sail on an epic 16-day Mediterranean cruise to Italy, Greece, Turkey and Croatia.
Life was hectic for the happy couple. Erica had accepted a job at Exceptional Care for Children, a pediatric long-term care facility in Newark, DE and she and Jon purchased a home in Wallingford. Once they settled in, they enjoyed spending their free time with family and friends as well as traveling. “We love to stay active all year long,” explained Erica. “In the winter, we love to ski, snowboard, and go tubing in the Poconos, and in the summer, we enjoy vacations in Wildwood and Cape Cod.” Jon added that they also love to go on cruises. He and Erica were able to celebrate their 10th anniversary on a cruise to the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao), and this past summer, they took an extended family cruise to Bermuda and the Bahamas.
After a few years of living in Wallingford, Erica and Jon welcomed a baby girl to their family and decided to look for a home in the Rose Tree Media School District. “We both wanted our kids to grow up where we did and we also wanted a home with a few acres,” Jon said. “We found the perfect property that checked all of our boxes across from Arasapha Farms.” Erica added that their very first date was to The Bates Motel at Arasapha Farms, and they go back every year to keep the tradition going.
The Tarr’s oldest daughter is six-year-old Genevieve (Evie), who attends Glenwood Elementary School. She loves gymnastics, cheerleading, swimming and Girl Scouts. Evie also loves attending Rockband Jr class, where she plays guitar, keyboard, drums and sings. Erica said, “Evie is a sweet, happy girl who loves to spend time with her cousins and is the best big sister.”
Evie’s little sister is two-year-old Juliette, who will start preschool next year. “Juliette is the comedian of the family,” Jon said. “She will do anything to make you laugh.” Aside from her silliness, Juliette loves dancing around the house, looking up to her big sister and taking care of her baby dolls.
Anyone who visits Jon, Erica and the girls will first be greeted by their very energetic, adorable one-year-old Labradoodle, Gemma. “We got Gemma when Juliette was just a year old, so we’re basically raising two toddlers,” laughed Erica. Jon explained that they got Gemma last year after they lost their beloved pup, Luna. He said that Luna’s original name before they adopted her was Gemma, and they wanted to honor her memory by naming the new puppy after her.
Life for Erica, Jon and their girls is full of family, fun, laughter and adventure. “We love living in our corner of the township,” Erica and Jon said. “We enjoy watching Santa drive by on the fire truck, the easter egg hunt, Edgmont Community Day and spending time at Arasapha Farms.” Most of Jon’s family lives within minutes, and Erica’s parents are right around the corner, too. A little fun fact is that Erica and Jon love to sing Karaoke, so don’t be surprised to see them showcasing their talents around the local bars and restaurants!
Jon and Erica agree that there’s no place like home. “We love raising our family in this community and are so glad we chose to put down roots in this part of town.”
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.