In Memoriam
In Memoriam – Donald G. Hicks, Jr.
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.
In Memoriam – John E. Brower
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!).
In Memoriam – Daniel Angelo Negrelli
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.
In Memoriam – Charles Alfred Riley
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.
In Memoriam – Joseph Racanelli
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. ‘
In Memoriam – Nathaniel Florian
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.”
In Memoriam – Joseph James Mosa
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.
In Memoriam – Ron Dallago
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.
In Memoriam – Gregg Goldstrohm
Gregg Goldstrohm was many things to many people, son, husband, father, grandfather, orthopedic surgeon, firefighter, lifeguard, gardener, cattle farmer. To the Seven Springs Ski Patrol, he was a ski patroller. A darn good ski patroller. Gregg joined Seven Springs Ski Patrol, Western Appalachian Region, as a candidate in 2000, going alumnus in 2018. He worked the mountain every Saturday and Gregg worked hard. On a busy Saturday, he would continuously ski injured guests to the Patrol Base, never taking a break. Gregg cared for those guests as if they were patients in his own practice.
In Memoriam
Read about the patrollers who have completed their Final Sweep by clicking the In Memoriam page.
In Memoriam
