MEDIA COVERAGE

Ernest S. Angelos featured in PivotToday for Delaware County Leadership

Delaware County LeadershipErnest Angelos, a Senior Associate with Raffaele Puppio, shares memories of growing up in Delaware County, his first job at Concord Pharmacy in Glen Mills, why he choose Widener for law school, the best advice he ever got (it’s a doozie!), the last book he read, and why his parents are his heroes.

Your full name? Who are you named after?
Ernest Spiros Angelos, Esq. is my full name. I was name after my paternal grandfather.

Where were you born and where did you grow up?
I grew up in Delaware county and am Greek American.

What are some of your fondest memories of where you grew up?
Growing up, I regularly visited my grandfather’s diner in Northeast Philadelphia and gained an appreciation for the hard work and dedication it takes to be a successful entrepreneur. This is a trait I find very often among the people in Delaware County and Chester County. In fact, because of my upbringing, I have a passion for assisting other entrepreneurs and has have numerous contractors, construction companies, and restaurant owners.

If you live and/or work in Delaware County, what do you like most about it?
I live in Thornbury with my wife and our son. I most enjoy Delaware County’s small suburban culture, yet its convenience location to Center City, Philadelphia.

What did your parents do?
My father was an attorney who went on to be a judge. He is the Honorable Spiros E. Angelos of the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas. My mother is a real estate agent with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services-Fox & Roach Relators.

Where was your first job?
My first job was at Concord Pharmacy in Glen Mills, PA. I was a cashier. It was a great first job as I got to know many people in the community. It was also a great opportunity to work and support a small local business.

Where did you go to college? Why there?
I went to the University of Delaware and got a Bachelor’s degree in political science. University of Delaware offered just the right size college atmosphere, convenient location and a great education.

Where did you go to law school? Why there?
I went on to get my law degree at Widener University School of Law (now known as Widener University: Delaware Law School). Widener was a good fit for me because they provide and excellent legal education while I was able to study and live close to home. My father also attended Widener so it was important to me to follow in his footsteps.

Why did you choose to go into your particular area of law?
I have always been interested in business and real estate law so I combined that with my passion for assisting entrepreneurs in achieving their life goals. I grew up observing and learning from my grandfather in the restaurant business, my father as a sole-practitioner lawyer, and my mother as a real estate agent. The areas of law within which I practice, land use, business transactions, real estate transactions and general litigation are just a perfect fit.

Are you involved in the community? If so, in what ways?
My family and I are dedicated members of the St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Media. I am also a member of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and the Delaware County Bar Association where I previously served as the event coordinator for the Young Lawyers Section. I am active in the criminal defense, education and real property sections of the Delaware County Bar Association. In addition, I am a charter member of the West Chester Rotary Act Club for young professionals where I served as the founding Treasurer.  I currently serve as a member of the Western Delaware Valley Lions Club.

Who was your most important mentor?
My father has always been there to lend advice and real-world experience in the legal practice and has always had a desire to see me succeed. He has been there every step of my legal career.

Who is your hero? Why?
My father and mother are my heroes. They always put family before their own wants and desires. My father’s lessons inspired me to work hard to provide the same life style for my family that I enjoyed growing up.

What is your guilty pleasure? 
I love to attend motor sport events. They are exciting and my best friend is a pro race car driver. How much better can it get.

What is your favorite Delaware County restaurant?
My favorite Delaware County restaurant is Stables at Yellow House in Thornbury. Anyone who goes there should try their brick oven pizza. It’s one of my favorites.

Where is your favorite weekend-getaway destination?
My family has a place in Wildwood Crest where I’ve been going since I was a young child.

If you could change one thing about the Delaware Valley, what would it be?
Our Winters. My Mediterranean blood loves the hot weather.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? 
My grandfather once said, “Even a fish wouldn’t get caught if it kept its mouth shut.” It has so many implications in life.

What is the last book you read? Why/why not would you recommend it?
The last book I read was Killing Lincoln. I would recommend it. It provides an in depth personal accounts of those involved in one of the nation’s greatest losses. It is well written and an easy quick read.

This interview original appeared in PivotToday.