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.
by Trail Sweep Staff | Jan 18, 2025 | In Memoriam
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.
by Eva Silverman | Jan 18, 2025 | In Memoriam
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.
He spent time explaining the injury to the patient and then to the patrollers working the Patrol Base. He was kind, considerate and caring to everyone. Gregg was not one to care about awards, however, during his career, he earned a Purple Merit Star and a Blue Merit Star. He was also an OEC Instructor.
Gregg would start his shift by dropping off some special baked goods that he baked from scratch. His brownies were a crowd favorite. What Gregg enjoyed most about being a Patroller was the camaraderie. On a slow spring afternoon, you would catch Gregg and other patrollers on duty, kicked back on the porch of one of the huts, enjoying the sun and sharing some tall tales. They swapped a lot of stories. Gregg could talk to anyone about anything.
Days after the Boston Marathon bombing, the Western Appalachian Region was contacted by the Medical Director of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) and asked to assist as First Responders for the Pittsburgh Marathon. As an orthopedic surgeon, Gregg could have participated under UPMC. But instead, he volunteered as a Ski Patroller.
Gregg continued his membership in National Ski Patrol until his death in October 2024.
by Trail Sweep Staff | Dec 18, 2024 | In Memoriam
Read about the patrollers who have completed their Final Sweep by clicking the In Memoriam page.
by Jeff Paston, CNY Historian | Dec 18, 2024 | In Memoriam
Song Mountain Ski Patrol in the Central New York Region of Eastern Division has lost another former patrol leader. Doug Scharbach, who served on the Song patrol for more than 30 years, passed away at his home in Manlius, NY, on November 14, 2024. He was 90.
Doug was the Song patrol leader between 1988 and 1990. He was well respected and known for his low-key demeanor; traits he no doubt developed from his service in the US Navy and later as a manager in the lumber business. It was at one of his jobs that he saved an employee’s life in 1979 using skills learned on the ski patrol. For that action, the NSP awarded Doug a Purple Merit Star, and the Eastern Division bestowed him with its William Gross Memorial Award.
A graduate of the New York State School of Forestry at Syracuse University in 1955, Doug enlisted in the Navy and served as an ensign following Officer Candidate School (OCS). His Naval career placed him as a maintenance officer in two squadrons on and off aircraft carriers on the east coast and on the Mediterranean during the ‘Turkey Crisis’ of 1957-58. He was discharged as a LTJG in 1959 and moved to Norwich, NY, taking a job as assistant sales manager at a lumber company. He became a Deacon at his church, president of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, and was instrumental in building a small ski area there called Penguin Peak.
In 1965, he took a new job and relocated to Manlius. He joined the ski patrol, where he used his leadership skills to further enjoyment of skiing and the outdoors. To that end, he also enjoyed sailing, canoeing, hiking, climbing the Adirondack High Peaks, camping, golfing, fishing, and hunting. He loved woodworking, building furniture, and making holiday decorations.
But most importantly, Doug enjoyed his family. A native of Schenectady, he married his childhood sweetheart Lynn and they were together for 69 years. Both would agree that their lives were strengthened and enhanced by membership in their church.
He is survived by Lynn and their three daughters, LeeAnn, Heidi, and Gretchen; five grandchildren; three great-granddaughters; and a sister.
