Mark A. Pinto

Mark Allen Pinto, 57, of Bellevue, passed away on Monday, March 6, 2023.  

Mark learned a lot from the many adventures of his teenage years, which included everything from climbing cliffs and hopping freight trains to going to punk rock concerts all over Pittsburgh. These experiences made him as good of a resource as any book you could pull off a shelf. He could tell you something interesting about almost anything—especially music. Although Mark always held books and music close to his heart, what came before any book or record was his absolute pride and joy—his son, Bill.  

Mark was an incredibly loving and enthusiastic father. He cheered Bill on at every step, encouraged all his interests, and shared in the excitement of many activities with Bill just as if he was experiencing them again for the first time. You could see and feel this joy that was just as bright-eyed as a kid on Christmas morning.  

Mark had a lot to left to share and even more goals he wanted to reach. And he had a unique approach to getting there. He was the perfect mix of pessimism and persistence—knowing what he needed to go up and over any obstacle. If the hill got taller, Mark peddled harder because he saw past the peak to the other side of the hill. Bill was always on the other side of the hill. Everything Mark did, he did for Bill. If we all experienced, even for one moment, an ounce of the love Mark had for Bill, our hearts would be forever full. 

Despite any limitations he had, Mark looked forward to getting out and doing things. These didn’t have to be big things—just things that balanced him and brought him both peace and motivation in the same breath. Biking, gardening, and fishing meant the world to him, and stops like Bicycle Heaven and Gus & Yiayia's in the North Side often topped his list. Mark spent his final days in the North Side being cared for in the community that he and his family shared a love of as their common ground. Mark was a Pinto at heart; he had a tough and stubborn exterior with a lot of affection tucked underneath.  

Mark was born on October 20, 1965, and was the son of Walter E. Pinto, Jr., and the late Hazel G. Pinto. He is survived by his partner Stephanie Lehnerd and son Bill Pinto; his brother Ed Pinto; sisters Stephanie (Tom) Stever and Regina (Ryan) Merkey; and extended family and friends who will all miss him dearly.  

Family and friends will be received on Friday, March 10, 2023, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the McDonald-Linn Funeral Home (529 California Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15202). A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow at Union Dale Cemetery.  
 

If you want to help with funeral and burial costs, kindly donate to Mark’s gofundme below. If we raise more than we need, young Bill will receive the rest. 

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