Mark G. Niness

Mark Gregory Niness of Wayne, PA, died suddenly after shoveling snow on January 30, 2022, at the age of 52, but his infectious good natured personality and the love he had for both family and friends will not be forgotten.

Mark was born on May 20, 1969, in Bryn Mawr, PA. He was the youngest son of Joan Niness (Nee Masteller) of Audubon, PA (previously of Jupiter, FL and Berwyn, PA) and of the late Samuel F. Niness Jr.

Mark was a sports-loving, golf-playing, beer-drinking, naturally-gifted, (though often long-winded!), storyteller. One of Mark’s true talents was his ability to make and maintain friendships. Mark’s sincerity, kindness, quick wit and uncanny ability to connect with others consistently and quickly drew in new friends wherever he went. From his Berwyn, PA hometown, to Episcopal Academy (’88), to his Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity at Susquehanna University (’92), he never failed to make life-long friends. Mark continued to make strong connections with others in the family’s Glenmoore, PA neighborhood (1998 - 2006) then in the Conestoga High School community where he was an ever-present supporter of sports and theatre. Mark made an impression at work too, first in mortgage and finance, and then in the transportation industry, most recently with Service Transport.

Mark married his college sweetheart Julia Pearce Niness (Havertown, PA) in 1995 in Radnor, PA. Together, they built a beautiful family including their three children: Madison (23), Jackson (21) and Kennedy (20). Mark loved nothing more than spending time with his family of whom he was tremendously proud.

While Mark had a deep affinity for all sports, he was best known for his lifelong love of golf, which was cultivated at Aronimink Golf Club, (Newtown Square, PA), and later at both EA and SU, where he played on the school teams. His high school and early college sports career were also highlighted by his time on the football field, earning All Inter-Ac recognition at Episcopal. He converted his knowledge and love of sports through the years as he coached youth football (Conestoga Generals, Marsh Creek Eagles & Wallingford Huskies) and basketball teams (Paoli Wildcats, Malvern League & Upward Basketball). He truly did enjoy any kind of game: sports, board, lawn, card (or drinking!). Mark was fondly known for his ability to make any interaction more interesting by turning it into a “friendly competition.”

In addition to his mother, wife and children, Mark is survived by his three older brothers and their wives, Sam F. Niness III (Kathy), James H. Niness (Claudine), W. Scott Niness (Pat), and his nieces and nephews: Ashley Niness Morgan (Matthew), Carly Niness Carson (Glenn), Devon Niness, Carter Niness, Mikayla Niness, Mackenzie Niness and Jason Niness.

Mark’s family would like to thank their extended family, friends and community members who have helped and supported them throughout this unimaginable situation.

Please join Mark’s family for a Celebration of Life on Saturday, February 12 at 2:00 PM at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church (or via livestream at https://www.bmpc.org/livestream), followed by a 4:30 reception at the Desmond Hotel in Malvern.

Condolences or flowers can be sent to Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church at 625 Montgomery Ave, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 or to the reception space at the Desmond Hotel at One Liberty Boulevard, Malvern, PA 19355.

Mark spent most days working from home alongside the family’s three rescue dogs: Luke, Blitz and Kingston. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mark’s honor to Main Line Animal Rescue at donate@mlar.org