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Alan Linton Obituary
Like his hero, Cal Ripken Jr., he was a Maryland man, named after his father and known for his steely resolve. He too had estimable talents, but coasting was anathema: whenever nature didn't give him a boost, he just worked harder. And he always, always showed up. So Alan Linton Jr.'s buddies gave him his idol's nickname — the Iron Man.
As a teenager, the future Iron Man, who had some heft, went out for wrestling and in his first year was trounced in every match. He kept training. The next year, he made it to the regionals. As an adult, Mr. Linton, a true country boy and family man, drove home every weekend to Frederick, Md., from New York, where at 26 he was an associate director at Sandler O'Neill & Partners.
With his gift for analyzing numbers, he had always wanted to be a Wall Street success. But Mr. Linton's ultimate goal was not to live lavishly. Deeply committed to his faith — he taught adult classes most Sundays at the Frederick Church of the Brethren — the Iron Man was determined to become a philanthropist. He would remark to his parents, Sharon and A. Patrick Linton, that if people accumulated great wealth and didn't give it away, they were failures.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Madison Lavoie
September 15, 2024
I went to New York City in the spring and I didn´t realize when I took this picture that the white rose meant it was someone´s birthday. Today I found that out and wanted to share this photo that was took on Alan´s birthday. May god always be with you. Rest in peace Alan.
October 21, 2019
In solemn memory of Mr. Linton...
- A Canadian
Annette Sokoll
September 11, 2018
I never knew Alan Partick, only by the Missing flyer that I had found when I was in New York after 911. May you rest in peace, and God Bless your family.
August 20, 2016
Love you Alan and will always remember you. I went to middle school with you and played football with you in high school. Your death reminds me everyday to to say to my wife and kids what I should just in case tomorrow never comes. You were the smartest person I was ever around! Miss you bro!
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September 11, 2014
You are not forgot!
S j. Friscia III
May 14, 2014
In Memory
With Honor & Respect.
Charles Hong
July 12, 2012
We were dorm-mates in Henderson at Carnegie Mellon. I remember you used to watch football in the basement lounge and you were very funny with your jokes. It was good to see you down there being so vivacious. I'm sorry your life was taken away so soon. May all beings have peace.
John Harper
October 18, 2011
Linton Family,
I have just returned from my second trip to Afghanistan and have thought about Alan often over the past 10 years, as his death was one of the main reasons I decided to serve our country after Sept. 11th. Each day I am after our enemies I think of Alan. I have been busy over the last ten years training our allies and fighting our enemies abroad, and continue to work daily to help America avoid losing any more great, bright, innocent American men like Alan Linton. I went to high school with Alan, his sister, and brother, and have kept Alan and the Linton family in my thoughts and prayers. I wanted to take the time to say he is NOT forgotten, and is often in my thoughts.
God Bless.
De Oppresso Liber
"People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."
George Orwell
Laura Perkins
September 15, 2011
Went to school with Alan Linton Jr. He was a very smart gentlemen, he always knew what he wanted in life. On Sept 11,2001 was a very sad day for all his classmates and friends. We miss you Alan and we all know that your looking down on us and telling us that its oaky. We miss you so much. Rest in peace Alan.
Jane Kerchner
September 12, 2011
rememberances to a family member I never met So I light a candle.My Mother(Emma Linton) was a sister to your G-Grandfather.
Karla Sereno
September 11, 2011
I never met you, Alan, nor your family, but I got to know your story today, 10 years later, and I lit a candle in your memory. May all live with courage, and peace.
Christy Lynch
September 11, 2011
It has been ten years, my friend.
TSgt Randy Suter
May 2, 2011
We did it Alan. It was 10 years but we have got him. I hope you can now rest in peace. Every day I put my uniform on I think of you and your family. May God bless your family. Alan, rest in peace my friend. We got it under control.
Beverly Stup
September 10, 2010
I knew Alan because my son Randy Suter was a friend of his,they went to school together and did sports together.He came to our home a few times and was a caring and very nice young man.He is always thought of We all miss him My thoughts and prayers goes out to Alan and his family May God bless you all
John Gurule
September 11, 2008
Alan,
We never had the pleasure of meeting you. We knew your little brother Scott. Our son wrestled with him at the Frederick Mat Club. Our Son wrestled for Linganore High and we lived in New Market. When we found out of your loss it hit close to home and we felt sorrowed for your family. We just wanted to say God Bless to you and your family. May you rest in Peace.
John and Mary Gurule
Abby Moss
September 11, 2007
Alan was a very special individual whose memory is lovingly carried through time by friends and family who remember him dearly. I am a distant family member (originally from Middletown Maryland) and light a candle for Alan every year on this day. We are close in age and I grieve for a future without his bright light. My fiance is an active-duty Army soldier about to leave for his third tour later this month. He fights for all of us, and for the memories of all that were lost, and for Alan. We love you.
Nikki Bowers
September 10, 2007
Alan was the type of friend that you wanted to have. He was the type of friend that you wished your kids had. While other little boys would harass little girls, Alan was always the most respectful, kind, young man. As a father, he would be the gentleman that you wanted to date your daughter. As a mother, he was the type of son that you wish that you had. I can't even begin to write about how intelligent he was too. All I know that was having the opportunity to know him in this life was a blessing.
Gian Polignano
March 4, 2007
I knew Alan in both middle school and high school. He always struck me as being like "Alex P Keaton" from the popular 80s show Family Ties.
Beneath his interest in money and supply-side economics, Alan had a heart of gold. I wrestled during my senior year of high school (taking a break from swimming) and was astounded to find out how Alan strived to improve his wrestling from his freshman year. It didn't come easily for him, but he persevered and had the heart of a champion.
Alan, you're a class act, and I hope to see you in the next life.
P Tabbernor
December 10, 2006
In remembrance....
Kristine
October 31, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
Jennifer Nace
September 12, 2006
I was in every class with Alan from kindergarten through our senior year. Even went to Germany with him as an exachange student. I was also his wrestling "manager aka mat maid" for 4 years, I knew him quite well. He was a man of honor, pride, and dedication. Alan will be sorely missed.
Jane Kerchner
September 12, 2006
I did not have the pleasure of knowing Alan. However Alan is a 3rd.? cousin to me. My Mother was Emma Linton ,sister of Roy who was a G-grandfather of Alan's. He would have had an aunt named after our Mother. I would so much like to hear from my "lost" family. Gods Blessings on his family. Jane Kerchner
Mary Posey
September 11, 2006
I never met Alan, but I am certain he would be so pleased with the emergency shelter that thrives in Frederick, dedicated to his memory. My children (and the children of Calvary Sonshine choir) sing at the concert for the homeless each November along with several other local church choirs. Concert donations benefit the shelter. With God in charge, things are bound to turn out alright.
Amy Beall (Thomas)
September 10, 2005
I remember the day that I heard the news. The phone dropped. Alan was my cousin, and although we were not overly close, I think of him often. His memory will live on with all who knew him. God bless his family on this 4th anniversary of the tragic event. You will ALWAYS be in my prayers!!
Amy
STACIE RENFREW
July 22, 2004
I know him and his family from church. God bless Alan and his family.
Amy Bravo
September 11, 2003
I never got to meet Alan but my brother in law had the pleasure of being his firend and classmate. From what I understand Alan was a very caring,family oriented,well rounded,and loving man. Who loved his mom and dad. My heart goes out to all of his family , friends,co-workers and everyone else who loved him. I loved him, I didn't know him but I still cry for him and for all the lives that were lost on 9/11. GOD bless each and every one of those lives, hold them close and watch out for their families that they left behind.
GOD BLESS YOU ALAN! WE MISS YOU
FREDERICK MARYLAND MISSES YOU
Love
Amy Bravo
Frederick Maryland
Heather Carroll
September 11, 2003
My thoughts and prayers are with Alan's family and friends. May god bless each of you.
Love,
Heather
Eddy Chan
September 11, 2003
I know Al as a friend and roommate in CMU. And like everyone else had said, he is one of the most genuine and nicest person you'll ever meet.
Vicki Linton
September 11, 2003
Two years have gone by since that horrible day and not a day goes by that your family doesn't think of you and miss you!
Love, Uncle Jay and Aunt Vicki
Pam Kuster
September 11, 2002
I went to school with Alan's little brother, Scott, all my life. To know that such a tragic event has happened to such a good person, and such a wonderful family is heart breaking. My heart, mind, and prayers are with you all. I hope that you can find happiness in remembering what a fantastic person Alan was in every day to come.
Love ya Scotty, Pam
Betsy Russell
September 11, 2002
My thoughts and prayers are with the family today, September 11,2002.
Dan Franko
September 11, 2002
Having left the Frederick area for college, I didn't find out until months later that Alan was among the lost on 9/11.
Alan was in my advisement (homeroom) class at Frederick High. I saw him every morning, and we always joked and laughed to start our day. He was a friend and a teammate (football.)
My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Debbie Cross
September 9, 2002
My thoughts and prayers remain with the Linton family. May God give you strength and encouragement as the one year anniversary of Sept 11 passes. May you always have wonderful memories of your sweet boy, and trust in God's promise you will be with him again some day.
Debbie Cross, friend of Ron and Isobel
Jim Purdum
September 7, 2002
Your in the home of your eternal resting place.In the hands of God!May your family not mourn no more,for you are in heaven.God bless your family and there loss.
Angie Campbell
May 4, 2002
May God Bless you and the family and friends that you left behind on 9/11/01. Rest in peace forever more.
Debbie Dye
March 11, 2002
I only got to see Alan twice a year since I was his Dental Hygienist at Kershner & Trepper Dental Assoc. But, I remember this young man coming in my office. Full of life and so friendly. Many teens wouldn't talk to me. Alan, and his siblings, were always so much fun to talk to. I always asked about wrestling in HS, then his classes and college life at Carnegy Mellon. He was always willing to chat wih me. One circumstance I remember was when we were checking for his and his sister's wisdom teeth. He had ONE and she had THREE!! We didn't think that was fair!!
We didn't know what wasn't fair until 9/11/01.
I will always keep Alan, and the Linton family in my prayers.
Debbie Dye, RDH
IRENE STAPINSKI
February 24, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS YOUNG MAN ALAN LINTON TOO YOUNG TO DIE...MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..MAY GOD GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Laura Anspach
February 2, 2002
Tribute to Alan Linton
October, 20th, 2001
Delivered at Celebration of Life by Dave Anspach, Brother-in-Law & Friend
I have been given the opportunity to say a few words in celebration of Alan’s life.
I first met Alan at school, his sophomore and my freshman year at Carnegie Mellon University. Knowing him first as a school colleague, I took notice of his intellect and analytical skills. He had already accumulated a fine record of achievements, and continued through his years at college, earning honors that placed him among the top in the nation. His gifts as a financial analyst were nothing short of incredible- he’d breeze through some of the toughest coursework that department had to offer and be watching Animaniacs or The Tick in the dormitory lounge by mid-afternoon.
It wasn’t long after graduating that he was snatched up by Sandler O’neill, an elite, close-knit financial firm. Alan fit right in. He quickly became an invaluable part of the organization, moving up to Vice President, and then Associate Director, at a record pace. Alan was a strong mentor to the staff that he trained, in between managing billions of dollars from the firm’s most crucial clients.
Alan was a very, very driven individual, and he had the skills and mindset to succeed. I can honestly say I have never met a person with a sharper analytical mind. What made it truly admirable, though, was the mission of altruism that drove him. His goal in the business world was to accumulate great wealth, and then give it all away. He was well on his way; he tithed handsomely and was the finest of hosts whenever we came to visit. He also showed his generosity in more spontaneous ways. For example, Alan’s mother Sharon recently stumbled across a thank-you note from a patron of the same diner Alan frequents up in Jersey City. Apparently, Alan had given this stranger a twenty when she realized she forgot her wallet at the end of her meal, never asking for anything in return, or boasting about his good deed to others. Who knows how many more of these truly selfless acts he may have done.
Anyways, it wasn’t long back at college before Alan and I became buds, hanging with the same group of about a half-dozen guys. We played Intramural football and basketball, and I found another of Alan’s exceptional traits – his strength. Even as a toddler, Al couldn’t wait to grow up to be a big, strong guy. I really mean it- he couldn’t wait – he would take a tire pump, put the nozzle into his mouth, then pump. And pump. You might say it worked; ten years later he was strong as an ox, throwing opponents around the football field and the wrestling mats. Alan loved wrestling; actually, I should say the Lintons love wrestling, and Alan is no exception. He was poised for a run at the state title his senior year before injuring his shoulder, and he provided a great example for his younger brother Scott.
Being friends with Alan, I got to know more about his personality. Alan was somewhat introverted; he was no bubbly social butterfly – we leave that up to his sister. He earned the nickname Ironman, same as his baseball hero Cal and his favorite Ozzy classic, representing his strength and resolve. He also earned the name Yeti cuz he was big and hairy, but that’s another story.
But like so many introverts, underneath an initial veil of quietness was a whole new person. And believe me, I’m talking a whole, new, person. He had many ideas about the world, and he enjoyed sharing them on no uncertain terms. Seems like yesterday that he was watching that commercial with Anna Kournikova giving financial advice, heartily mocking the idea on many levels.
He also spoke passionately of his favorite sports teams, often citing the accomplishments of Ripken, Ray Lewis, or the ol’ Redskins smashmouth running back John Riggins. And let’s leave unsaid his opinions on anyone who was playing against the Orioles, Ravens, or Redskins. I knew he was a good guy and a true friend when he steadied his tongue whenever we watched the ‘Skins play my hometown boys, the Eagles. At least most of the time.
Well, after Alan was my colleague and close friend, he introduced me to his younger sister Laura, who was just starting at CMU. Our good bud Jim Felderman had met Laura previously. The year before, Jim started up a rumor where we called her “Little Al”, a female version of Alan, bigger and with pigtails. Fortunately, Jim was just pulling our collective leg. About four years later, my colleague and close friend became my brother-in-law. Only then was I fully exposed to his greatest trait – his devotion to his family and his faith.
Pretty much every weekend, after putting in a long week at work, he’d come back to his real home here in Frederick to be with his family. On Saturday mornings Pat would take Alan, Scottie, and me out for a round of golf. Now, as many of us have come to discover for ourselves, being smart and being strong doesn’t necessarily mean you can make the golf ball do what you want. When Al got a hold of the ball, he could out-drive anyone. The rest of the time… well, that’s what makes the sport fun, right?
On Sunday mornings he taught our Sunday school class before attending church service. He loved the Book of Romans, ever inspired by Paul’s writings on the ways of Christianity. Please remember this as you hear the verses from Romans that will be read to you in a short while. Alan also had an assortment of religious texts in his apartment. Several were strewn about his couch, as he prepared his next Sunday school lesson. His bible was found opened to the end of Matthew 24, which deals with the powerful message of the Signs of the Ends of the Age.
As joyous at it is to stand here and share these fond memories with you, we have to face that which has befallen us. On September 11th, in the midst of the infamous catastrophic day, we lost Alan. By no means that is to say that we have lost him forever; we have tremendous faith and conviction within our family and fellowship that the Lord will return Alan to us. But at the very least we have lost his presence for a month and a half, and that is already far, far too long.
The response to this tragedy has been phenomenal. The support we have seen around the family and community – everything from wise words to chicken casseroles to the all-powerful hug – has been nothing short of amazing, and for that we thank you.
But let us make no pretense – it is not easy. Not at all. For me, sometimes I get lost in thought, and wonder to myself, “Why?” And y’know, why am I up here right now? Alan and I should have been sitting on opposite sides of the couch through a hundred more Eagles-Redskins games. I should be hobbling with a cane into the back of this sanctuary, to smile warmly at his grandson as he tells three times as many stories as I did. Isn’t that how it’s supposed to happen for great guys like Alan?
I’m sure we all have such questions, doubts, and fears, in our own minds and our own words, as we try to deal with what has happened to us on the 11th. Yes, the community support has been great, and, [lift bible] this little guy ain’t too shabby either. Nonetheless, when I think about what has happened, I feel sorrowful. I feel disbelief. I feel confusion. But, I do not feel spite. I do not feel disdain. I do not feel hopeless discouragement. As a friend, as a family, as a community, as a nation, as all of God’s children standing for freedom, we will persevere, and will prevail.
You see, in Alan’s all-too-brief time, he left us a sincerely amazing example of how to have the strength and wit to persevere and prevail in good times and bad. Knowing this we can realize that while this has no doubt been a terrible tragedy, infinitely worse would be the travesty had he never existed to begin with. What if he had never entered our lives, shown us how to be strong through adversity, and to enjoy life despite its many heartaches. It will be so, so much easier having known him!
So come together with myself, and our family; looking forward, we cannot dwell on our recent losses, but rather must revel in the happiness that Alan’s whole life has brought us. I know for me, I will always have the great examples and warm memories of my close friend and big brother; and no matter how good a defense the Eagles might have, there will always be a voice in my head saying, “Yeah Dave, they’re pretty good. But Riggins would’ve plowed right through them.” And ya know- I’m going to love every minute of it.
Thanks, Ironman. God bless you Alan; we love ya big guy, and we will miss you. [Address congregation] Peace be with you. Thank you.
Alan Linton, Jr.
Sharon Linton
January 9, 2002
Teresa Jahn
December 25, 2001
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Cindy DeGrange
December 21, 2001
Alan will always be loved and greatly missed. As he walked with his heavenly father here on earth, he now walks arm in arm with him in peace.
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