Central Bucks Is Mourning Tragic Loss Of Former Educator, Librarian

BUCKINGHAM TOWNSHIP, PA — Funeral services will be held this week for a beloved retired Central Bucks School District elementary school teacher and librarian who died March 5 in a tragic accident.

The Springtown resident, who had worked in the district for 35 years until her retirement in 2023, died when she was struck by a tree while walking along the Saucon Rail Trail in Northampton Township.

Robbin Danko graduated from Central Bucks High School West in 1981 and went on to earn her undergraduate degree from Kutztown University.

She started her teaching career at Tamanend and Warwick Elementary schools where she taught first and fourth grades. In 2004, she helped open the library as part of the inaugural staff of Bridge Valley Elementary School.

Danko had worked as a librarian at Bridge Valley for 18 years before retiring in 2023 after a 35 year career with the district.

"Robbin's passion for education was only outshined by her love of reading and sharing that love with her students," reads her obituary. "Robbin was a compassionate educator and the joy she created at book fairs and during Reading Olympics was infectious and felt by anyone who knew her."

In retirement, Danko spent time volunteering at the Doylestown Bookshop, enjoying nature on her daily five-mile walks, taking trips to Maine, and spending time with her grandchildren.

In a letter sent to the families of Holicong Middle School and Bridge Valley Elementary School on Friday, Holicong principal Kevin Shillingford shared the tragic news with the school community.

"It is with heavy heart we share this news and while I did not know her personally, I was touched by the comments (Bridge Valley Principal) Mrs. Pederson shared and wanted to pass them along."

He continued, "Mrs. Danko was Bridge Valley's dedicated, enthusiastic librarian for 18 years and opened the library in 2004. Her commitment to students and love for books has touched all in the Bridge Valley community and many of our Holicong students who attended Bridge Valley."

Many of Danko's former colleagues, parents, and friends took to social media to share their memories and express their sympathies to the family.

"I am deeply saddened to hear about the tragic loss of Ms. Danko. She was such a beloved part of the BVE community," one parent wrote. "She brought joy and inspiration through Reading Olympics and the Summer Reading program. Her passion for books and learning created lasting memories that will live on in the hearts of students and families. My thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones and all touched by her kindness and dedication."

Another wrote, "This is such sad news. The kids loved her. My kids enjoyed doing the Reading Olympics thanks to her and her passion and kindness. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family."

Visitation services will be held on Friday, March 14, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Shelly Funeral Home in Plumsteadville. A service will be held following visitation at 5 p.m.