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.
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.
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.
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.
It’s with a heavy heart and great sadness that we announce the passing of one of our own. Ron “RD” Dallago conducted his final sweep on December 23, 2024. RD joined the Blue Mountain Ski Patrol in 1990 and over the years served in many roles. There are very few patrollers in the Eastern PA Region and Eastern Division of the National Ski Patrol system and even fewer at Blue Mountain Resort that he hasn’t helped in some way. He will be greatly missed by many!
Ron, 76, of Northampton, PA, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 23, 2024, at Lehigh Valley Hospital Inpatient Hospice Care in Allentown, PA. Born September 18, 1948, in Allentown, PA, he was the son of the late Norman Dallago and the late Isabelle (Matuskowitz) Dallago.
Ronald was the Owner/Operator of Insulation Service Professionals (ISP) in Northampton, PA for over 30 years before retiring. He enjoyed skiing and was a member of the National Ski Patrol, serving at Blue Mountain Ski Resort, Palmerton, PA, and Spring Mountain Ski Resort, Schwenksville, PA. for years. Ron was also a member of the PSIA (Professional Ski Instructors of America).
He enjoyed the game of golf and was coordinator of two Senior Golf Leagues, Tuesdays and Thursdays at Twin Lakes Golf Club, Allentown, PA. for the past several years. He was a member of the Raccoon Club, in Northampton, PA. An avid sportsman, he participated in and coached wrestling at Parkland High School and was an East Penn Fast Pitch Softball league member for many years, most memorably on the Duke’s Pub team.
Ron is survived by his daughter, Dora M. Zion, wife of Richard Zion of Palm Coast, FL; sister, Michelle D. Mackowiak of Whitehall, PA; Niece, Nicole R. Gutierrez; and great-nephews, Donovan and Landon. He was predeceased by his sister, Barbara J. Dallago Vera in 2019.
The Eastern Division has so much to offer patrollers. Take advantage
of events that are currently listed on the Eastern Division Calendar.
For information, go to the calendar and click on the event, go to the Patroller School website, or contact the Program Advisor.
1/8 Patroller Stress Awareness Forum, ZOOM
1/11-12 Nordic Fest, Highland Forest, Fabius, NY
1/17/25 Certified Pre-Test, Sugarloaf, ME
1/18-19 Sugarloaf Patroller School, ME
1/24-26 Level 1 Avalanche, Whiteface, NY
1/25-26 Elk Mountain Patroller School, PA
1/25-26 WISP Patroller School, MD
1/31 Certified Pre-Test, Killington, VT
2/1-2 Killington Patroller School, Killington, VT
2/3-5 Level 1 Avalanche, Smugglers’ Notch, VT
2/8-9 Waterville Valley Tele/Snowboard School, NH
2/8-9 Gore Mountain Patroller School, NY
2/8-9 Plattekill Patroller School, NY
2/12 Patroller Stress Awareness Forum, ZOOM
3/7-9 Level 1 Avalanche, Mt. Washington, NH
3/7-9 Winter Division Officers’ Meeting
3/7-10 Young Adult Patroller Summit, Smugglers’ Notch, VT10
3/12 Patroller Stress Awareness Forum, ZOOM
3/13-16 Certified Annual Exam & Meeting, Jay Peak, VT (invitation only)
3/31 Memorial Fund Scholarship Applications Due
Killington Patrollers – Donny Mills in the handles and Karly Fischer on the tailrope
Headed for the safety netting.
On the way to reaching her 100th title at the Stifel Killington World Cup event, Mikaela Shiffrin crashed. The crash had her tumbling multiple times, bouncing off the netting fence before coming to a rest as competition paused and ski patrol came to her aid. After a somber waiting period following the GS competition, cheers erupted again when Shiffrin was brought down the mountain in a sled and appeared to be conscious.
Brant Maley and DiamondBack Covers Team Up to Honor First Responders
The team at DiamondBack Covers proudly expresses their deep gratitude to first responders. Their dedication and courage inspire us all, and we’re honored to recognize the heroes who keep our communities safe.
They produced a video featuring Certified Patroller Brant Maley from Roundtop Mountain Resort. He has worn many hats over the years and is currently a 24-year veteran serving as a police officer in Penbrook Borough, PA.
Brant joined NSP in 1989 and was awarded Certified #523 in 1998. He is an OEC, OET, Lift Evacuation, Low-angle Rescue, and Outdoor Risk Management instructor and is a Lifetime member of NSP. He was awarded National Appointment #10142 in 2005 and has a Meritorious Service Award and five Yellow Merit Stars.
Follow Brant through this journey. Check out this great video!
David Kaplan, 97, of Rhinebeck, died at home on November 8, 2024. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Arlene, after 61 years of marriage. He was attended by his daughter Suzanne and son-in-law Chuck as well as his caregiver David O. Dave leaves behind his daughters Suzanne and Debbie.
Dave was born in New York City. He graduated from DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx and from NYU with a Bachelor of Science in business. Dave took over the ownership and operations of The Kaplan Press from his father and ran a successful printing business until his retirement. He and Arlene then moved full-time to the Hudson Valley.
The outdoors defined Dave and Arlene’s life together. They were active members of the National Ski Patrol, the Professional Ski Instructors of America, the AMC, and the ADK. Dave skied, paddled, and swam into his 90s.
The family thanks everyone who made it possible for Dave to remain at home, including his caregiver, David O., and many friends, neighbors, and ski buddies. They also thank the staff of Hudson Valley Hospice and the volunteers from Meals on Wheels.
There will be no service or visiting hours. Dave will join Arlene among the mountains and waters that sustained their lives. In their honor, take a hike, go for a paddle, or make some turns on your favorite trail.
“Go where you feel most alive.” – A.
Read about other patrollers who have completed their Final Sweep by clicking In Memoriam in the red bar at the top of the page.
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.
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.”
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.
It’s with a heavy heart and great sadness that we announce the passing of one of our own. Ron “RD” Dallago conducted his final sweep on December 23, 2024. RD joined the Blue Mountain Ski Patrol in 1990 and over the years served in many roles. There are very few patrollers in the Eastern PA Region and Eastern Division of the National Ski Patrol system and even fewer at Blue Mountain Resort that he hasn’t helped in some way. He will be greatly missed by many!
The Eastern Division has so much to offer patrollers. Take advantage
Read about the patrollers who have completed their Final Sweep by clicking the 
The team at 
David Kaplan, 97, of Rhinebeck, died at home on November 8, 2024. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Arlene, after 61 years of marriage. He was attended by his daughter Suzanne and son-in-law Chuck as well as his caregiver David O. Dave leaves behind his daughters Suzanne and Debbie.
