Mark Linkins
Age: 60
Date of Death: 12/27/2024
Landsowne, PA
Obituary for Mark Bier Linkins: It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Mark Bier Linkins, of Lansdowne, PA. Mark died on Dec. 28, 2024 at the age of 60, in the Abington Hospital in Abington, PA. Robert Linkins (d. 2006) and Rose Marie Bier Linkins (d. 2004) welcomed the birth of their only son, Mark Bier Linkins, on February 4, 1964, in York, PA. He followed his older sisters, Robin and Joan through the Central York school system, graduating in 1982. Already having attained some notoriety as a musician, Mark pursued that passion, as well as his desire to teach. These aspirations led him to study double bass and guitar at Philadelphia College of the Performing Arts, and earn a degree in English Education from Millersville University and Certification in Supervision of Curriculum and Instruction from St. Joseph’s University. His first job, teaching English at Torah Academy in Ardmore, PA, was just the beginning of a long career in education. He served at the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District for 18 years, teaching English and Humanities, then moving into administration as a kindergarten principal, and as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction. He made significant contributions in the field of positive psychology in education. In 2008, Mark spent six months in Australia, implementing a Positive Psychology Curriculum at the Geelong Grammer School. Most recently, he was the beloved head administrator of Wyncote Academy in Elkins Park, PA. Many students, parents, and colleagues have shared glowing accolades about his skills, leadership style, and sincere care for everyone he met. Music was always central to Mark’s life. He played with his high school band, orchestra, and jazz band, and participated in Pennsylvania Ambassadors of Music Program. Within a few years he broke into the music and recording scene as the bass player for “A Touch of Class” along with Joe Coria and Randy Yoder of York, PA. He taught many students on bass, guitar, and other stringed instruments; conducted both the Munier Mandolin and Guitar Orchestra of Philadelphia and the Baltimore Mandolin Orchestras and composed original music for their repertoire; arranged music, performed, and recorded with world class mandolinists; all the while doing weekend gigs as half of the duo, “Sycamore Muse”, with his close friend Joseph Todaro of Lansdowne, PA. Mark also created and directed the East Coast Mandolin Orchestra. Mark is survived by his sisters Robin Beazley (Jeff), Joan Leaman (Mel), nephews Tadd Leaman (Vanessa) and Toby Leaman (Sarah) and his great nephews River and Hank Leaman and great nieces Nellie and Esme Leaman. The loved they shared runs deep, with cherished memories to forever hold near and dear. In passing, Mark leaves behind his loving partner of 29 years, Bernice Goll. Her parents, Abe and Barbara Goll and Bernice’s siblings Geoff Goll (Amy) and Linda Steinberg (Howard) walk with her in sadness and celebration. Mark and Bernice’s fos
