Nathaniel “Nat” Florian, 85, lifelong Southington resident, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 27, 2024. He is joyously reunited with his son Kristopher and all of those who have gone before him. Nat was born in Southington, CT, on October 6, 1938, to the late R. Steuart and Ethel (Tolles) Florian and was gifted with the nickname “Tweet.”
He attended Southington schools and graduated from Southington High School, Class of 1956. Nat earned his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from MIT and worked at and eventually jointly owned and operated the American Standard Company, Inc., for 50 years. Nat enjoyed working in the business for 20 years with his son, Sean, and daughter-in-law, Beth.
The company was otherwise known as Florian Tools, based on the family’s invention of Ratchet-Cut Pruning tools patented by Steuart, Nat’s Dad, in 1963.
Nat loved his country and was very patriotic. His strong faith in the Lord was a guiding principle in his life and he and his wife, Judy, were members of Christ-Life Fellowship headquartered in Dallas, TX for many years.
He was a talented musician and played the violin and the viola, sharing his love of music with his wife and son. One of his favorite pastimes was jamming with his family.
Nat was also a passionate skier and served on the ski patrol at Mount Southington actively for 52 years and retired for six more. Nat was one of the first ski patrol members at the mountain with his wife. He enjoyed every minute with his fellow ski patrollers and considered them all close friends. He enjoyed the “cook-offs” in the patrol room. Periodically Nat was bestowed the winner of the cook-off with his hand-made construction paper star.
Nat’s love for skiing was passed down to his son Sean, who began skiing at 2 and racing at 6. This passion was then passed on to his grandchildren, Austin and Erika. By legacy, Nat has influenced hundreds of others through ski racing and freeskiing.
Nat is survived by his best friend and devoted wife of 64 years, Judith (Bowman) Florian; son Sean E. Florian and his wife Beth (Charamut) of Southington and two grandchildren, Austin Florian and his wife Erica (Kosienski) of Southington and Erika Phelps and her husband William of Montana. He is also survived by two brothers, Don Alan “Pucky” Florian of Marion, David W. “Squig” Florian and wife Honey of Southington, one sister, Diane “Denee” Chase of Blue Hill, Maine, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his son Kristopher, Nat was predeceased by three brothers, Roy “Benny” Florian, Jonathan “Finny” Florian, and Walter “Kiki” Florian.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Nat’s memory may be made to the National Ski Patrol, Eastern Division, Specific Patrol, and specify Mt. Southington in the notes, and in memory of Nathaniel Florian (https://givebutter.com/national-ski-patrol-system-inc-eastern-division).
A memorial service was held on October 15, 2024, at the Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 S. Main St, Plantsville. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. For online condolences and directions, please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com.
