Mark Spilkowitz, West Orange, NJ—Mark Spilkowitz passed away recently, leaving behind a legacy of love, education, and international goodwill. Mark was a kind, loving, fun, and generous husband, father of two, and grandfather of five. His passion for education and dedication to uplifting young people were the hallmarks of his life.
Early in his career, Mark spent two years in Jamaica as a member of the Peace Corps, teaching children in a mountain village. He continued his educational journey in Harlem, NY, teaching elementary school students and later pursued a Doctorate in International Educational Development from Teachers College, Columbia University. As a Professor of Educational Psychology at Rutgers University, he shared his unique teaching approach and inspired future educators.
Mark’s second career involved sharing the beautiful artwork and clothing from Bali, a place he fell in love with during his travels. His business ventures kept him connected to Bali, where he also mentored Nyoman Sarjana, a middle school student he met in the 1970s. Their friendship spanned over 40 years, during which Mark helped Nyoman financially and emotionally, enabling him to succeed in life and business.
Nyoman and his wife Wayan, inspired by Mark’s passion for education, established the Siswa Indah Prima (SIP) School in Bali, providing free and subsidized education to children whose parents could no longer afford school fees. The SIP School flourished, emphasizing self-confidence, creative development, motor skills, healthy habits, and traditional Balinese dance.
Last year, Nyoman celebrated Mark’s 80th birthday in Bali, demonstrating the deep appreciation he held for his mentor. Tragically, Mark passed away a year later. Nyoman honored Mark by arranging all funeral services and hosting a ceremony and tree planting in his memory.
In tribute to Mark and his dedication to education, his family and friends are encouraged to support the SIP School through a fundraiser organized by his son, Stephan Spilkowitz. The goal is to raise $20,000 to continue Mark’s legacy of empowering and uplifting young people in Bali.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Mark Spilkowitz. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
Short Summary of Mark Spilkowitz
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Mark Spilkowitz |
| Date of Passing | Recently |
| Fundraiser Created By | Stephan Spilkowitz |
| Goal Amount | $20,000 |
| Amount Raised | None yet |
| Location | West Orange, NJ |
| Purpose | Support SIP School in Bali |
Note:This post was written and edited by Owen Thompson, based on their expertise and research. It is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. We welcome your feedback and questions on this content. Please feel free to contact us.