Samuel A. Marrella Sr., CFP®, CLTC
Sam has spent his career as a dedicated advocate and coach for his clients in the world of wealth management. He graduated from Albright College with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and embarked on a financial career, initially as an advisor with E.F. Hutton and later with Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, where he achieved the position of senior vice president. He obtained various certifications, including the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification and a Certification in Long-Term Care.
In 2002, Sam joined the family business, and his primary objective was to assist his father and brother in making a positive impact on their clients’ lives. He is dedicated to helping people navigate the complexities of financial planning and aims to enable them to be able to retire with confidence.
Sam describes himself as a “people person” and has a strong passion for helping others through the wealth management process. He is actively involved in his community, participating in organizations such as the Reading Berks Basketball Association. Additionally, he is an avid sports fan, cheering on all Wilson School District sports and anything Philadelphia. And loves to play Golf and Pickleball.
In 2017 he authored his first book, “Your Retirement Game Plan- 30+ Years of Confidence: No Pension Required.” This book is a tutorial on Retirement Income Planning and how to convert your retirement assets into a lifetime of retirement income.
Sam and his family are part of the St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church, and he values spending time with his wife, Suzanne, and their two children. His ultimate professional goal is to assist individuals in building a lifetime of happiness and a legacy of success through sound planning and prudent advice.
Paul L. Marrella, J.D., CFP®, CLTC, RICP®
Quiet Confidence, Personalized Expertise, Lasting Relationships
With a journey that spans from Reading, PA, to the heart of Wall Street and back, Paul is a valued resource and go-to guide in the world of wealth management. His commitment is simple and straightforward: providing expertise, personalized guidance, and unwavering support to help you secure your, and your family’s, financial future.
The Foundation of Expertise
Paul jokes that when he came in from playing kickball, Wall Street Week was on TV. At that very early age the love of capital markets was born. This was just the beginning of an interesting journey.
Paul’s educational journey kicked off at Albright College. There, he found his love for numbers and finance, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Finance in 1988. It was also during this time that his curiosity for entrepreneurship began to take root.
Paul’s journey into wealth management started while he was still in law school, working for his father’s growing financial planning practice. It was a pivotal period that honed his ability to understand the interrelationship of clients’ complex financial needs and their legal needs.
In December 1991, Paul graduated from the Dickinson School of Law, and subsequently passed the Pennsylvania Bar Exam. Paul practiced law, learning from the ground up at Fry & Golden, where he specialized in estate planning and administration, and became well-versed in the legal intricacies of wealth management.
From Law to Wall Street and Back
In 1994, Paul decided to follow a childhood dream and take his talents to Wall Street, working as an equity trader. His knowledge of the global financial markets affords him a unique perspective on both the economy and investing.
In 1998, Paul’s father’s wealth management practice was growing rapidly, and needed to expand. Paul was the natural fit. This, however, required a very difficult decision… Stay on Wall Street, or return home to Reading to grow the family business?
Wealth management prevailed. Here, Paul could combine all his passions: working with people, staying involved in the capital markets and being an entrepreneur. Looking back, the decision was the right one.
A Distinctive Path
Paul’s career isn’t just about numbers; it’s about people and their aspirations. In 1999, he earned the Certified Financial Planner (CFP)® certification, signaling his commitment to providing tailor-made financial plans and investment solutions. In 2004, he added the Certification in Long-Term Care (CLTC), showcasing his dedication to comprehensive financial support.
A Man of Many Passions
Paul is more than just a financial expert; he’s a family man and a sports enthusiast. He is an avid golfer, reflecting his drive for precision and skill. In 2010, Paul earned a Black Belt in Ryu Kyu Hon Kempo Kobujitsu Karate, a testament to his discipline and commitment to self-improvement.
A Heart for Community
Paul is not just about financial success; he believes in giving back. He is an active member of several charitable foundations, including the Wilson Scholarship Fund and the Law Foundation of Berks County. Paul’s sense of community extends to athletics, where he has coached over 25 seasons of youth sports, including football, basketball, and lacrosse. His competitive spirit is not just confined to the boardroom; it’s part of his life.
Family First
Paul and his wife Tracy are proud parents to two children, Matthew and Mackenzie. Family is the cornerstone of Paul’s life, providing the foundation upon which his dedication to helping others is built.
Paul’s professional career is a journey marked by a warm heart, a passion for people, and the quiet confidence to turn your financial aspirations into reality.
Daneen Weaver
Daneen Weaver’s professional journey is deeply rooted in a family legacy of financial expertise. She is a key part of a team that includes her brothers, Paul Marrella and Sam Marrella Sr.
Notably, Sam Marrella Jr represents the third generation of this legacy, showcasing the commitment to excellence in wealth management. With each generation, the family’s expertise and dedication to their clients have grown stronger, ensuring that their clients receive the highest level of financial guidance and support.
This multi-generational collaboration in the field of wealth management speaks to the family’s values of trust, integrity, and their focus on the financial well-being of their clients. Together, they continue to uphold the legacy of excellence that their father began in 1967, making them a trusted and respected presence in the wealth management industry.
Daneen brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to her role. She graduated with distinction from Mount St. Mary’s University in 1986, showcasing her commitment to education and her dedication to achieving excellence in her field. Her academic achievements are further highlighted by her MBA from St. Joseph’s University, which she earned in 1992.
On a personal note, Daneen is married to Tom Weaver, a partnership that contributes to her understanding of the importance of family and financial security. Together, they are the proud parents of two children, Shannon and Brian.
Samuel A. Marrella Jr.
As he approached the end of his collegiate journey, Sam often heard his grandfather say, “There’s always room for you at the office.” To which Sam would reply, “Maybe one day, but first I want to earn my own stripes.”
Upon graduating from Albright College in 2014 with a degree in Business-Finance—and having been a 3-year starter on the Men’s Basketball team—Sam initiated his professional journey at The Vanguard Group in Malvern, PA, within their Business Development Group.
Within a span of a year, Sam was recruited by Resource Securities, a Private Real Estate and Credit firm located in Downtown Philadelphia. In the years that followed, he rose to become VP of Sales for the Mid-Atlantic Region, distinguishing himself by leading the company’s highest-grossing territory in 2018, 2019, and 2020.
Today, he works at his grandfather’s former desk alongside Paul, Sam Sr., and Daneen. Sam takes pleasure in understanding the unique needs of clients and is keen on crafting personalized financial plans and investment strategies. He believes that sustained financial stability can be secured through diligence, high-caliber client service, and disciplined financial planning.
Sam lives in Sinking Spring, PA, with his wife, Ally, and their son, Cooper. When away from the office, he can be found either on the golf course, at the beach, or supporting the Phillies, Flyers, Eagles, and Sixers.
Matthew P. Marrella
Matt is an emerging talent in the Private Wealth sector, bringing a strong foundation in finance and accounting along with a passion for helping clients achieve their financial goals. With a deep-rooted connection to the wealth management industry, Matt always knew he wanted to return home to work alongside his family at Marrella Private Wealth after gaining valuable experience in the industry.
Matt graduated from Muhlenberg College in 2022 with dual degrees in Finance and Accounting. During his time at Muhlenberg, he was a key player on the lacrosse team, starting for three years and earning both All-Conference and Scholar All-American honors. The combination of academics and athletics instilled a strong work ethic and the discipline that continues to drive his professional success.
Upon graduation, Matt joined Vanguard, working directly with client investments as a High-Net-Worth Client Associate. After gaining experience, Matt was recruited by myCIO Wealth Partners to join the firm as a Financial Planning Analyst, working with ultra-high-net-worth clients. During this time with myCIO, he gained hands-on experience in wealth management, with a focus on investment strategies, estate planning, and tax optimization/preparation. Originally expecting to spend many years at myCIO, Matt was called to join Marrella Private Wealth when the firm underwent their partnership deal with Apella Wealth. Recognizing the opportunity, Matt joined our team, eager to contribute to the firm’s legacy of excellence.
At Apella Wealth, Matt is committed to helping clients develop tailored wealth management strategies, emphasizing the importance of long-term financial security. He works closely with clients to ensure their financial aspirations are met through a holistic and thoughtful approach.
Outside of work, Matt resides in Center City Philadelphia and is an avid supporter of all the city’s sports teams.
Lynn DeAcosta
Lynn, a proud Reading native, completed her education at Reading Senior High School in 1986. Her professional journey in the financial services sector began with Meridian Asset Management’s Trust Department shortly after graduation.
Following her time at Meridian, Lynn spent six years as a registered sales assistant at Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, where she refined her skills in client service. In 2002, she found her professional home. Lynn’s dedication to delivering exceptional client service has made her an integral part of the team.
Outside of work, Lynn cherishes time spent with her children Lauren and Benjamin, as well as her grandchildren Jayce, Reese, and Elliott. She is also a devoted gardener and a passionate supporter of the Eagles and Phillies.
Committed to her community, Lynn serves as the Secretary of the Southern Junior High Middle School Alumni Association, while also actively contributing to the Social Ministry and Scholarship Committees at Reformation Evangelical Lutheran Church.
Barbara Stick
Born in Philadelphia and raised in Pottstown, Barbara Stick is a key asset as a Client Relationship Associate at Apella Wealth. She graduated with a BA in Communications from Alvernia University, where she also displayed her competitive edge as a member of the women’s volleyball team. Barbara’s professional journey includes impactful tenures as a Payroll Manager at a local staffing agency from 2010 to 2022 and as a Licensed Realtor from 2005 to 2010. These experiences have equipped her with invaluable financial insight and an unwavering dedication to excellence.
When she’s not at the office, Barbara enjoys hiking, tennis, and golf. Most importantly, Barbara enjoys spending time with her husband, Terry, and their wonderful daughters, Gabrielle and Emilie. Combining her diverse skill set with a personable approach, Barbara excels in fostering client relationships that align closely with your financial goals, executed with meticulous attention to detail and personalized care.
Apella's Mission

A New Milestone for Us: Our Partnership with Apella Wealth
Meet Pat & Jim, Founder and President of Apella Wealth - What's in This Partnership for You?
Recent Interview with Pat
Apella's Values
Pursue Excellence
We delight in creating remarkable experiences for everyone we serve. Each hand raised and voice shared represents Apella’s leadership and growth and reflects our commitment to continuous improvement.
Act with Integrity
We strive to do the right thing, every time. We hold ourselves compassionately accountable for delivering on commitments both spoken and implied.
Build Community
We are stronger together. Our unified resilience empowers us to work through tough challenges. As champions of each other and our collective results, we collaborate effectively every day.
Demonstrate Empathy
We seek first to understand. We listen with our heart so those sharing feel wholly seen and heard. Our humble hope is that over time, with patience and care, we will foster authentic and connected relationships.