Mark Alan Wilner

Mark Alan Wilner, age 71, beloved husband, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away suddenly on April 12, 2026.

He was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan and was the son of Dr. Norman D. and Lois C. Wilner. They preceded him in death. He is survived by his loving wife, Donna Starkweather; step-son, Douglass Pinckney of New Jersey; sister, Amy Wilner Homard (Mark D.Homard) of Minnesota; three nephews, Trent, Aden and Sterling Homard; and two grand nephews, Tristan Orcutt-Homard and Arthur Homard.

He was a long time resident of the Laytonsville area. Until his retirement he was a Program Analyst for the Department of Agriculture.

He graduated from the University of Michigan in Political Science and obtained his Masters degree in Political Economy from the University of Texas at Dallas.

Throughout his life he maintained contact with his “Uruguayan brothers” Jorge, Diego and Eduardo, international students that lived with his family during college. It spurred interest in sharing

cultures, language, music, international cuisine and travel. Together they enjoyed canoeing, camping, and an appreciation for nature. Mark was fluent in Spanish and was an exchange student in Uruguay.

Mark produced beautiful award winning photography capturing the colors and grace of the natural world. Indigenous arts and causes held his interest. He was a drummer who always felt the heartbeat of the world around him. Mark undertook hobbies of environmental benefit for future generations, he became a beekeeper, Master Gardener and cyclist. Harmony was created by his presence.

Mark was very active in local organizations: St Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, The Laytonsville Lions Club, The Laytonsville Garden Club, The Izaak Walton League, and Montgomery County

Master Gardeners.

Mark was a true joy to all who knew him. He supported others with disabilities, reflected in his advocacy for the visually and physically disabled through his work at the Department of Agriculture. Mark was genuine and caring, with a positive outlook and sense of humor that cultivated joyful grins and laughter. His concern for others was always evident. He was gracious and brave, encouraging the best in friends and family. His incredible giving spirit was fully shared: Mark chose to be an organ donor. Through his generosity, three lives were saved by receiving his gift of life. Let us rejoice in his spirit!

A Celebration of Life will be held May 2nd, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church in Laytonsville, Maryland.

In memory of Mark A. Wilner, donations can be made in his name to:

The Marfan Foundation (https://marfan.org/donate/)

The Huntington’s Disease Society of America (https://hdsa.org)

The Izaak Walton League of America: Lois Green-Sligo Chapter (8721 Snouffer School Rd., Gaithersburg, MD 20879)

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