by Trail Sweep Staff | Jul 4, 2025 | Spotlight Articles
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OET Steering Committee Meeting – The Hermitage, VT – August 2-3, 2025- Certified Boot Camp – Ski Roundtop, PA – August 15-17, 2025
- Eastern Division Fall Officers’ Meeting – via Zoom – September 5, 2025
- Enhanced Patroller School – Swain Mountain, NY – September 12-14, 2025
- Bike Patrol Event – ENY or WMASS – September 13-24, 2025
- AMN Instructor Refresher – Pike Glades, NH – September 27-28, 2025
- Snowbound Expo 2025 – Boston Convention & Exhibition Center – November 14-16, 2025
- Eastern Snow & Avalanche Workshop – Fryeburg, ME – Late Fall 2025
- MTR Level 1 – Highland Forest, NY – December 12, 13, 14, 2025
- NSP/PSPA Certified Pretest – Killington, VT – February 6, 2026
- Killington Patroller School – Killington, VT – February 7-8, 2026
- Level 2 Avalanche Class – Whiteface, NY – Early March 2026
- Division YAP Event – Location TBD – March 2026
- Certified Weekend – Sugarloaf, ME – March 13-15, 2026
- Spring Officers’ Meeting – The Desmond, Albany, NY – May 1-3, 202
by Trail Sweep Staff | Jun 5, 2025 | In Memoriam
Donald Gardner Hicks Jr., 84, of Leominster, passed away on Tuesday, April 15th, 2025, after a brief illness with his family by his side. He was born in Lowell, MA on December 12, 1940, to Donald G. Hicks and Mary S. (Gillespie) Hicks. He received his education at Lowell High School, Lowell State College, Lowell Commercial College, and the University of Massachusetts. In 1959, he began his banking career at The First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Lowell. He held several positions over the years at various community banks, including Worcester North Savings Bank in Fitchburg, before retiring as President & CEO of Reading Cooperative Bank in 2002.
Active in professional organizations during his career and leadership positions of multiple community organizations, he was a longtime member of Pilgrim Congregational Church of Leominster, serving over the years as Deacon, Trustee, and Treasurer.
He began his Freemasonry journey as a member of Lowell DeMolay. In 1962, he became a Master Mason at Wamesit Lodge in Tewksbury. In addition to holding multiple positions in various affiliated masonic bodies, he served as Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts from 2002 to 2004.
Don was an avid skier for over 60 years, right up until his illness this year. He enjoyed many ski trips with his children, grandchildren, and many other family members and countless friends over the years. He joined the National Ski Patrol in 1973 as a patroller and later served as Wachusett Mountain Patrol Director, EMARI Region Director, and Eastern Division Treasurer. He was awarded National Appointment 7020 for “Demonstrated Qualifications of Ability and Leadership” in 1988 and received the Distinguished Service Award in 1999. He remained an alumni member after retiring from active patrolling.
He leaves behind his wife of 62 years, Nancy (Sargent) Hicks; a daughter, Karen and her husband Grant Thorne; a son, Andrew and his wife Patricia (Kane); a grandson, Brandon Thorne and his wife Meredith (Carr); two granddaughters, Emily Thorne and Megan Hicks; a great-grandson, Aiden Thorne; a brother, David and his wife Susan (Penney); and a brother-in-law Paul Sargent and partner Sandra Bogan, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his adopted brother, Arthur Iverson.
A Masonic Service was held at Wamesit Masonic Lodge in Tewksbury on April 22. The funeral service was held at Pilgrim Congregational Church in Leominster on April 24, followed by the burial in Lowell.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to The Masonic Education & Charity Trust, The George Washington Masonic National Memorial, or Pilgrim Congregational Church Food Pantry in Leominster.
by Trail Sweep Staff | Jun 5, 2025 | In Memoriam
John E. Brower, a lifelong resident of the Mid-Hudson Valley, peacefully passed away in the early hours of May 10, 2025, at Ferncliff Nursing Home. Born on May 3, 1951, at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, he was the son of the late Frank and Margaret (Shaw) Brower. He was 74.
John’s formative years were spent at Pine Plains Central School, where his athletic prowess shone in football, earning him many accolades, as well as in other sports, including baseball and basketball. After graduating in 1969, he continued his education at Dutchess Community College before earning a bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy from SUNY Brockport. John embodied the phrase “team player.” He was the first to offer help with anything and always brought ten times more than he committed to—plus extra chairs, extra red cups, and extra _____ (fill in the blank!).
A true passion for skiing characterized much of John’s life. He dedicated over 50 years to ski patrol, beginning his service in 1976 at White Birches for cross-country skiing. By 1988, he achieved dual certification in alpine skiing and became an OEC instructor. His commitment took him from White Birches to Cortina Mountain and finally to Butternut in Great Barrington, MA. Notably, John served as ski patrol for the Olympic Ski Jumps at Lake Placid in 1980 and again at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. These experiences ignited a lifelong passion for collecting Olympic pins from every Winter Game.
For more than 30 years, John made a meaningful impact at Abilities First in Poughkeepsie, NY, supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. His dedication extended to the Special Olympics, where he served as a coach and trainer for over 32 years, culminating in a memorable volunteer experience at the 1997 Special Olympics Winter Games in Toronto, Canada.
Beyond his professional and volunteer pursuits, John was an avid sports enthusiast, particularly drawn to NASCAR racing. For three decades, his front-row, park-and-view space on turn one at Watkins Glen was a cherished annual tradition shared with loved ones.
John is remembered by his wife, Julia Brower; his daughters, Shannon (Jason) Coll and Katherine Brower; and his grandchildren, Cody Smith and Keira Coll, who held a special place in his heart. He is also survived by his brother, Frank C. Brower Jr.; his sister, Sheila (James) Jamieson; and his nephew, Carl Jamieson.
Following John’s wishes, no formal services will be held. Instead, a celebration of his life will be announced when arrangements are complete. He will be privately interred in the family plot at Evergreen Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Memorial donations in John’s honor may be directed to Ski Butternut Ski Patrol, 380 State Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230, or to the Milan Rescue Squad, 900 Route 199, Milan, NY 12571.
by Trail Sweep Staff | Apr 15, 2025 | Ski Industry News, Spotlight Articles
The Berkshire Edge is a locally owned, regional publication in Western Massachusetts. On April 5, they published the following Letter to the Editor they had received, along with their commentary: “Thank you to our ski patrollers for keeping us safe on the mountain. While many of us enjoyed a run down the hill, it is important not to forget the many people behind the scenes who are committed to keeping these areas safe.” Thank you, Dr. Alec Belman, and The Berkshire Edge!
As the 2024-25 ski season has come to a close, I wanted to take a moment to celebrate another year of skiing across the Berkshires and recognize the ski patrol teams, many of whom are volunteers, dedicated to safety across the region’s slopes. This season, visitors and residents alike were outside getting fresh air and exercise with family and friends. That said, while many of us enjoyed a run down the hill, it is important not to forget the many people behind the scenes who are committed to keeping these areas safe. As the region’s trusted healthcare provider and community advocate for improving overall quality of life, Berkshire Health Systems is incredibly thankful for our area ski patrols, trained professionals who also serve in the local community at hospitals, on emergency teams, and at local businesses. They are familiar and friendly faces who are on standby and ready for any emergency.
Skiing, in all its forms, brings fun and great experiences to all when performed safely. The members of the National Ski Patrol across the region are a great asset and play an essential role in the Berkshires. We hope everyone, skiers and non-skiers alike, will take the opportunity to thank them for their service and their contribution to the success of our regional ski industry, bringing skiers back to the region year over year.
See you next ski season, our valued ski patrol teams!
Dr. Alec Belman
Chief of Staff at Fairview Hospital
Great Barrington, MA
by Trail Sweep Staff | Apr 15, 2025 | In Memoriam
Daniel Angelo Negrelli, 53, of Canton, beloved husband of Karen A. Brinkman and father of Keira B. Negrelli, died Saturday, February 22, 2025, following a skiing accident in Brighton, Utah. Born in Rockville, son of the late Joseph and Diana (Kosior) Negrelli, Jr., Dan was raised in Stafford Springs and graduated from Windham Tech. He earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut and a Master of Arts from Castleton University in Vermont.
Dan worked as a computer applications instructor at A.I. Prince Technical High School in Hartford, but his impact in education extended far beyond that area of expertise. An avid skier, hiker, and mountain biker, Dan had an unfettered enthusiasm for the great outdoors and was dedicated to sharing this passion with his students. He created unique experiences for them as the leader of the school’s hiking and skiing clubs, with the goal of opening their eyes to the expansive world around them.
After working to get permission from the school, he was elated to take students on an overnight adventure to the top of New Hampshire’s Mount Washington last summer. “I’ve always wanted to bring kids up there to experience the magic of being in the Alpine Zone,” he told Connecticut’s News 8, who covered their trek at the time. That adventure is a prime example of how Dan went above and beyond to immerse the young adults around him in outdoor activities. He used any means possible to get outdoor gear for kids, including using his own money or asking for donations.
Dan became a fixture on both mountains where he frequently skied, at his second home in Killington, Vermont, where he served as a ski instructor for nearly 30 years, and in Connecticut at Ski Sundown in New Hartford, where he was a member of the ski patrol for many years. In both places he fostered deep, lasting connections with locals, ski students, resort staff and far beyond.
Everywhere Dan went he brought joy with his easy smile, genial attitude, and genuine interest in every person he met. He shared his passions with the world and opened doors for those around him in any way he could. He had a gift for bringing out the best in everyone and selflessly volunteered his time and knowledge to anyone in need. Dan’s zest for life – whether on a hike, sailboat, camping trip, at a concert, or on a sandy beach – endeared him to everyone he met on his journey and will never be forgotten.
In addition to his wife and daughter, who Dan loved with his whole heart, he leaves behind a brother James Negrelli; a sister Catharine Rowe; an uncle and aunt Bernie and Jeannie Kosior; cousin Janette Kosior; several nieces and nephews; mother-in-law Barbara Brinkman; brothers-in-law Eric and his wife Tara Brinkman and Kevin and his wife Traci Brinkman.
For condolences, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Prince Tech Adventure Club can be sent to this address: Charles Shooshan, Principal Adventure Club, in Memory of Dan Negrelli Prince Technical High School, 401 Flatbush Avenue Hartford, CT 06106 To plant a tree in memory of Daniel, please visit their floral store.
by Trail Sweep Staff | Feb 18, 2025 | In Memoriam
Charles Alfred Riley, 74, of Windsor, MA died Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at his home after a brief battle with a very aggressive cancer. Born in Hartford, Connecticut on January 25, 1950, son of Charles H. and Merlyn Kelly Riley Charlie was also the grandson of his maternal grandparents Frank and Nel Kelly of Hartford CT.
He went to elementary school in Bridgton, Maine. His family moved to Wolfeboro, New Hampshire when he was in high school. He was a 1968 graduate of Kingswood H.S. in Wolfeboro. Continuing his education, he was a 1973 graduate of Northeastern University earning a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.
From 1981 to 2015, he was employed as an engineer for General Electric/General Dynamics in Pittsfield, MA. Before that, he had worked at Sprague Electric in North Adams, MA.
Charlie was a communicant of St. Agnes Church. There were many happy memories of his sons, Andy and Matt’s time in elementary school at St Agnes.
Charlie loved the outdoors. He fondly remembered being a boy scout, especially when he was chosen to go to a national jamboree in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. He grew up on a lake in Bridgton, Maine. He loved being on and in the water, whether on lakes or the ocean. He enjoyed swimming, sailing, and canoeing, and he had started enjoying snorkeling on recent vacations.
Skiing as a child and an adult was a passion. He joined the National Ski Patrol in 1994 and was a patroller at Brodie Mountain moving to Jiminy Peak in 2002 when Brodie closed. During his 28 years of patrolling, he served as an OET instructor at both mountains. His son, Andy, joined the patrol as a junior patroller serving until Brodie closed.
He thoroughly enjoyed attending all of Andy and Matt’s soccer, lacrosse, and cross-country running events.
Charlie was proudest about his service as a fireman and first responder with the Windsor Volunteer Fire Department. He was a member for more than 40 years.
Everyone will lovingly remember his kindness, his beard, his friendly smile, his flannel shirts, his honesty, his strength of mind and body, and also that he was always such a great helper and one of the best huggers, ever.
Charlie leaves his wife, Susan Moglia Riley, whom he married on June 15, 1974. He and Sue celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last year!
He is also survived by two sons, Andrew C. (wife Mayra Gonzalez) Riley of Winter Garden, Florida, and Matthew B. (wife Kat) Riley of Las Vegas, Nevada.; two brothers, Larry (wife Susan) Riley of Ohio, and Tom (wife Mary) Riley of Ariz.; and brother-in-law James Moglia (wife Izzy). Charlie was the beloved grandfather of his four grandchildren, Karolyna, Kayden, Lily, and Violet; as well as many nieces and nephews, and other family members. We cannot forget to mention that he was also a loving pet parent for their pup, Chloe.
The family would like to thank the 3rd-floor staff at BMC, especially Dr. Jason Toughey. His ability to listen and explain treatment made this very hard time much more bearable. Hospice Care in the Berkshires was also extremely helpful.
Funeral services for Charles A. Riley will be held Saturday, March 1, 2025, with a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. at St. Agnes Church celebrated by Rev. Christopher A. Malatesta, Pastor. Calling hours will precede the Mass from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Dery-Foley Funeral Home in Dalton, Massachusetts. Burial will be in the Spring in Shaw Road Cemetery, Windsor. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Mr. Riley may be made to the Windsor Fire Department in care of DERY-FOLEY FUNERAL HOME, 890 East Main Street, Dalton.
by Trail Sweep Staff | Feb 18, 2025 | In Memoriam
Joe Racanelli was a ski patroller at Stratton Mountain, Vermont from 1977-1981. He passed away at the age of 84 on July 25, 2024, on Long Island, New York. Joe considered himself a “full-time volunteer,” skiing as often as he could.
Joe was born into a multi-generational family construction business on Long Island. He was one of six brothers. His son, Brian, reported that Joe loved to hike and ski. On a trip to Tuckerman Ravine, Joe fell and broke his leg. He had it set and cast in New Hampshire, then drove himself back to Long Island. ‘
Arriving home, he sat in his car and repeatedly blew the horn. When his family came out to the driveway to investigate the commotion, they found that Joe needed to be lifted from the car because of the large cast on his leg.
Joe insisted on repeating the Tuckerman adventure the following year. He hiked in, climbed, skied down, and was pleased that he didn’t suffer the same fate as the last time.
When not skiing, Joe often played golf in Vermont at Haystack Mountain and, in later years, at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Joe is survived by his brothers John, Eugene, and Anthony; his wife Patricia; daughters Connie and Jenny, and son Brian, as well as seven grandchildren.
by Trail Sweep Staff | Feb 18, 2025 | In Memoriam
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.
by Trail Sweep Staff | Jan 18, 2025 | In Memoriam
Joseph James Mosa, 96, of the Weatogue section of Simsbury, CT, beloved husband of Jean (Seymour) Mosa died Thursday, December 5, 2024, at his home. He was born March 5, 1928, in Somerville, MA, the son of the late Joseph Anthony Mosa and Frances Mosa, and had lived in Weatogue for over 60 years. Joe was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served in the Korean War.
Joe graduated from Kansas State University with a Master’s degree in Education. He was a teacher, coach, and Athletic Director at Conard High School for the town of West Hartford until his retirement in 1995. Joe was also a member of the Geritol Swingers golf group at Simsbury Farms Golf Course. Most of all Joe had passion for his family.
The Butternut Patrol gathered with family and friends to share stories and celebrate Joe Mosa’s life, a man whose passion for skiing and unwavering dedication to ski patrol defined his journey. He lived a life filled with purpose, where the safety of others was paramount. His ultimate goal was always to teach, demonstrate, and acknowledge his team called the Butternut Ski Patrol.
Joe had a lifelong passion for skiing. He joined the ski patrol in 1966. rising to become the patrol director at Ski Butternut in Great Barrington, MA. During his 35 years of patrolling, he achieved his senior patroller status and took courses in Avalanche and Mountain Travel and Rescue. In 1975 he was awarded National Appointment #4727 and in 2002 a Distinguished Service Award. After retiring from active patrolling, he joined the National Ski Patrol’s Alumni Association running an annual alumni event hosted at Butternut. He was invited to join the Dinosaurs, an invitation-only group of retired ski patrol leaders that gathers annually to tell tall tales and reminisce. He continued skiing until his death, always stopping to say hi in the patrol room.
In addition to his wife of 70 years, he is survived by his daughter Deborah Mosa and her husband John Connors of Northport, NY, his daughter Leslie Pelzar and her husband Chris of Simsbury, CT, his granddaughter Lindsay and her husband Michael of Scituate, MA, and his precious great-granddaughter and playmate Taylor Margaret. Joe is also survived by his brother Anthony Mosa of Essex, CT, his sister Marion Kerrigan of Franklin, MA, and many wonderful nieces and nephews.
Memorial donations may be made to Butternut Ski Patrol, 380 State Road, Great Barrington, MA 01230 or butternut.myskipatrol.org.
