by Matt Nebzydoski, OET Supervisor | Nov 18, 2024 | In Memoriam
Jack Shinn, 76, of Clifford, PA, died peacefully on Monday morning, September, 9, 2024, surrounded by his family at the home of his brother Joe. Born September 6,1948 in Monterey, CA, he was the son of the late Dr. John G. & Claire Caffrey Shinn.
Jack was a graduate of Cardinal O’Hara High School, Springfield, PA and attended St. Paul’s College, St. Paul, MN. He was a US Army veteran, serving in Vietnam and the Army reserves, and went on to work as Operations Manager at Mactac in Moosic, PA. After a brief stint working for Squaw Valley Ski Resort Tahoe, California he returned to the area and worked for Jennings Environmental Management, Inc.
His favorite job by far was as an Elk Mountain Ski Patroller, which he did for most of the last 40 years. He was an OEC instructor for 31 of those years and served as an Assistant Patrol Director. An indispensable member of our pro patrol, he managed the first aid room supply orders for many years.
Jack was a devoted brother and uncle, proud father and grandfather, great friend to all who knew him, and a legendary storyteller. He is survived by one loving daughter: Jamie Shinn and husband, Sean Graham; three grandchildren: Matilda Shinn, Nyra Graham, and Mekhi Graham; one sister: Jean Shinn and husband, Mark Silfee; three brothers: Gerard “Gerry” Shinn, David Shinn and wife, Leslie, Joseph “Joe” Shinn and several adoring nieces and nephews and his beloved Caffrey cousins.
He was preceded in death by three brothers: Robert Bobby,” Richard Rick, and Kevin Shinn and two sisters: Diane Shinn-Box and Natalie Shinn.
A memorial service was held Monday, September 16, 2024, at 3:30 p.m. at the Elk Mountain Ski Resort Lodge, 344 Elk Mountain Road, Union Dale, PA, celebrated by Rev. Bonnie Resseguie and with military honors from the U.S. Army.
Cremation arrangements were under the care of the Shifler-Parise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Clifford, PA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Elk Mountain Ski Patrol at the above address.
Read about other patrollers who have completed their Final Sweep by clicking In Memoriam in the red bar at the top of the page.
by Matt Nebzydoski, OET Supervisor | Nov 18, 2024 | In Memoriam
Stanley J. Wierzbicki, Jr., 72, of Greenfield Township, PA, died Thursday, July 4, 2024, at Geisinger Community Medical Center, Scranton, PA, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife, the former Joyce M. Sidwell Wierzbicki. They were married October 3, 1988.
Born March 21, 1952, in Carbondale, PA, he was the son of the late Stanley J. Sr. and Eva Kura Wierzbicki.
Stan was a graduate of Mountain View High School and earned a degree in carpentry and woodworking from Johnson Technical School. He was the proud owner and operator for 50 years of Wierzbicki Woodworking, LLC, Greenfield Township. He built numerous homes in the area but was mostly proud of the homes he built for his daughters and close personal friends. Stan was a master carpenter and owned and operated a family farm in Greenfield Township consisting of beef cattle.
Most of the community would know him from working on ski patrol for over 40 years at Elk Mountain. For 25 of those years he served as both an OEC and OET Instructor. In April he attended Powderfall for the first time enjoying the camaraderie of meeting patrollers from across the country. His daughter Heather carries on the family tradition as a member of the Elk Mountain Ski Patrol
He enjoyed skiing so much that he took numerous skiing trips to Europe. He was a faithful member of St. John Vianney Parish.
Stan was joyful, dedicated, kind, caring, generous and hardworking. His hobbies included mountain biking, snow skiing, water skiing and furniture making. He had a love for adventure and wanted to experience life to its fullest in every way. Although he worked often, his family meant everything to him and tried to spend as much of his free time with them. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. At the end of a long day, Stan enjoyed a nice glass of red wine with family and friends.
He is also survived by four daughters: Stephanie Trussell and husband, Dwayne of Morgantown, PA, Heather Walters and husband, Mark of Greenfield Township, PA, Barbara Moody and husband, Chuck Heffner of Greenfield Township, PA, and Jennifer Moody of Madison, GA; six grandchildren: Unique, Reina, Bobby, Ryan, Michael, and Christopher; two sisters: Katherine Krenitsky and husband, Jack of New Berlin, PA and Barbara Jones of Virginia; one brother: John Wierzbicki and wife, Mary Helen of Lisbon, ME; and one aunt and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister: Maureen Bartron.
The funeral was held Wednesday, July 10, 2024, from the Shifler-Parise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 18 Airport Road, Clifford, PA, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in St. Pius X Church, 3615 State Route 106, Royal, PA, celebrated by Rev. Andrew Amankwaa, pastor. Interment was at the Wierzbicki Cemetery, 189 Lee Road, Greenfield Township, PA.
Pallbearers: Mark Walters, Dwayne Trussell, Timothy Krenitsky, Thomas Meagher, Jeffrey Feather, and Charles Mazza. Viewing hours were held Tuesday, July 9, 2024.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in Stan’s name to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at lls.org or St. John Vianney Parish, 704 Montdale Road, Scott Township, PA 18447.
Read about other patrollers who have completed their Final Sweep by clicking In Memoriam in the red bar at the top of the page.
by Trail Sweep Staff | Nov 18, 2024 | In Memoriam
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.
by Trail Sweep Staff | Oct 14, 2024 | In Memoriam
James Richard Harrison, of Dalton, MA passed away on Sunday, September 15th, at age 81. Born on September 12, 1943 in Torrington, CT, he was the second eldest child of Donald and Jacqueline Harrison. He graduated from Dalton High School (MA) in 1961. Jim then enlisted in the Army where he served on a missile site in Wiesbaden Germany, near Frankfurt, as a Technical Sergeant.
After his time in the service, Jim returned to Dalton to work at E.D. Jones Beloit in the pulp & paper machinery industry. His 33+ year career included traveling the world, often spending extended time on jobs. Jim visited every continent and hundreds of countries and cities, with unimaginable airline mileage.
Jim was married for 47 years to Ann Louise Zaorski of Lanesborough, MA. She passed away on May 22, 2013 at the age of 70.
Jim is survived by sons James Stanley and wife Michelle of Phoenix, AZ, son Jeffery Donald and wife Wendy of Chandler, AZ and adopted son, Matt Snow and wife Tina of NC, and their children, Madeline, Emily and Zachary, and his Harrison siblings, Bruce, Duncan, Sandra, Heather, Keith, Kenneth, Timothy and their spouses and extended families. He was preceded in death by wife Ann, parents, Donald and Jaqueline, and oldest brother Malcom.
A 42-year member of the National Ski Patrol, Jim joined the Brodie Mountain patrol in 1979 and remained there until Brodie closed in 2002. He moved on to the Butternut Ski Patrol remaining there until 2022 when he retired because of health issues. Jim loved skiing and while he worked three days a week at Butternut, on his two days off he went skiing at Jiminy Peak.
Jim was very much an outdoors enthusiast, enjoying hiking, skiing, camping, and whitewater rafting. He was also a lover of classic cars, and hot rods. He loved to work with his hands, and restored, or built many antique/classic/muscle cars from the ground up. Jim was always up for a challenge and had the engineering mindset as a great problem solver.
He was a brother, father, friend & mentor to many, and his legacy will carry on through the lives of everyone that he has touched throughout the years.
In more recent years, Jim and his fiancé Kay LaViola of Savoy, have been spending time continuing his hobbies with his cars, traveling to Florida, and taking trips in a motorhome to Maine and other locations, as well as a recent trip to Arizona to go to the mountains with his boys.
James was cremated after death, according to his wishes. A memorial service will be planned and announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to Brigham & Women’s Hospital (supportBWH.org) or the Berkshire Humane Society and mailed to Dery-Foley Funeral Home, 890 E. Main St., Dalton, MA 01226.
by Trail Sweep Staff | Sep 14, 2024 | In Memoriam
Lori Kennicutt joined Greek Peak Ski Patrol in Cortland, NY when she aged out the kids ski free benefit because her dad, Boyd Kennicutt, was on the Greek Peak Ski Patrol for many years. She then ran the ranks of junior patroller, patroller and finally a senior patroller spending 27 years in the system before retiring from Greek Peak. She took various leadership training courses during her tenure.
After Lori received a degree as a Veterinary Technician from SUNY Delhi, she was the Dog Control Officer for the Town of Union located in Broome County for 31 years. She was also a talented artist with a scathing wit.
Lori suddenly passed away in April 2024. She is sorely missed by her NSP patroller friends, those with whom she skied and befriended.
by Trail Sweep Staff | Sep 14, 2024 | In Memoriam
John D. Hebert Sr., age 76, of Pittsfield passed away at home on May 30, 2024, following a long illness. John will be remembered as a man of many names, The Pencil Man, The Godfather, Nature Boy, Papa J, and The King.
Born in Pittsfield, MA on October 26, 1947, John was a son of the late Leon and Margaret (Stack) Hebert. He was a graduate of Pittsfield High School and earned his associate degree in business from a junior college in Albany, NY.
He spent most of life running his own business, The Pencil Man, where he sold office supplies and furniture. He also was a member of Berkshire Mental Health, now the Brien Center, where he worked as a residential staff member for many years.
He was a member of the National Ski Patrol at Brodie Mountain for over 25 years. He was a great skier and was taught by his father at a young age. He also coached women’s softball and enjoyed sponsoring many teams. John loved golfing and was a longtime member of the GEAA. He even shot a hole-in-one while golfing with his dear friends John and David.
John had a great sense of humor and loved to talk. He had many friends, and he left a lasting impact on all who loved him.
John was the beloved husband of Noreen McNally Hebert, whom he married on October 24, 1996. He was also the brother of Pamela Hebert Sullivan (Timothy) of Pittsfield and Margaret Ann Benson of Chapel Hill, NC; father of John “JD” Hebert, Jr. (Melissa Morin and family) of Lanesboro; grandfather of Taylor Hebert LaRochelle of Dalton; gift-father of Tracey Schaeffer (Chuck) and Quentin Brown (Fahmi Rahmani); and gift-grandfather of Bailey Schaeffer, George, Isabella, and Clyde Brown. John was predeceased by his brother Lee Arthur Hebert.
The Hebert family wishes to send a special thank you to John’s CNA Rosa Ramirez who has taken excellent care of him and his wife Noreen.
Friends were invited to join the family for visitation at the Devanny-Condron Funeral Home on June 6, 2024 from 10-11:30am. A Liturgy of Christian Burial followed at St. Charles Church. Burial will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in John’s memory may be made payable to “Hospice Care of the Berkshires” and mailed to the funeral home at 40 Maplewood Ave. Pittsfield, MA 01201
by Jeff Paston, CNY Historian | Sep 14, 2024 | In Memoriam
A much beloved and respected former patrol leader of the Song Mountain Ski Patrol in the Central New York Region passed away at the age of 92. Ron Marks, National #5799, died on August 11, 2024 in an assisted living facility in Napierville, IL, where his son’s family lives.
Ron was a NSP member for about 20 years, serving at two CNY Region patrols — Mystic Mountain and Song Mountain. He was patrol leader at Mystic during 1973 and ‘74. He also joined Song in those years. At Song, Ron served as patrol leader from 1983 to 1988. He was awarded his National Appointment in 1981.
He was a science teacher at Jordan-Elbridge Central Schools near Syracuse for more than 30 years. In fact, Ron convinced one of his former students, Bill Hamilton, who also became a teacher and taught with Ron in the mid-1980s, to join the Song Ski Patrol. Bill noted how much he enjoyed skiing with Ron, how much he enjoyed Ron’s sense of humor, and how often he thinks of his former teacher and fellow patroller.
In 1989, Ron and his wife “Doje” (Dorothy) decided to move south in retirement. They settled in Emerald Isle, NC. They were a team for 65 years until Doje passed away in 2020. Their family noted how the two enjoyed the outdoors, camping, hiking, canoeing, and kayaking. Over the years, they climbed the highest 46 peaks in New York’s Adirondack Mountains, earning them membership in the unique “Forty-Sixers” club.
As a community-focused volunteer, Ron also served as a tennis coach, Boy Scout leader, paramedic, and firefighter. In North Carolina, he and Doje continued that support, joining the volunteer EMS squad for almost 20 more years.
Ron’s training paid off at Song Mountain in 1983 when he and fellow patroller Kurt Lavin earned Purple Merit Stars for saving the life of a skier whose femoral artery was cut by a ski in a collision with another skier.
Ron is survived by a daughter, son, sister, sister-in-law, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Contributions may be given in Ron’s name to the Alzheimers Association.
by Trail Sweep Staff | Sep 14, 2024 | In Memoriam
Leland “Lee” Palmer began his skiing career as an outdoor family activity at Greek Peak Ski Resort in Cortland, NY. His National Ski Patrol volunteer career included being a patroller, a senior patroller, an assistant patrol leader, and assisting with the candidates and their training.
Being incredibly resourceful, a salt of the earth person who built his own house, he contributed heavily of his own time and from his business in support of the Greek Peak Ski Patrol. Lee was on the swim team and graduated from Vestal High School, Vestal, NY and Alfred State University. He served in the Coast Guard until his father fell ill and he was discharged to home. At that time he took over the family business of McCormick’s Paint and Wallpaper in Binghamton, NY where he worked until his retirement.
Additionally, Lee worked as a chauffeur for a few years after he retired transporting people from the Binghamton area to New York City, and locally for the BC Open Golf Tournament. He enjoyed boating, camping, golfing, and NASCAR.
Lee passed away in 2020 at 69 years old. He is heartily missed by his NSP patroller friends, those with whom he skied and befriended.
by Trail Sweep Staff | Sep 14, 2024 | In Memoriam
Mr. Ralph L. Gates, 98, of The Brennity in Vero Beach, FL, passed away Monday, June 17, 2024, at home peacefully with his family at his side. Ralph was born in Worcester, MA to the late Walter O. Gates and Amy Gates.
Ralph served in World War II as a sonar operator in the US Navy, where he was stationed in the Philippines. After the war he attended and graduated from Clark University in Worcester, MA. While there he met his wife-to-be Marguerite “Peggy” Bliss (deceased in 2015) and their marriage together spanned 68 years.
Ralph was a school teacher in Wilmington, VT, and later had a long career with the General Electric Co. in Pittsfield, MA, retiring in 1985 as a Program Manager with Ordnance Systems Division.
Ralph and Peggy became seasonal residents of the Treasure Coast in 1988 coming. They first lived in Spanish Lakes Country Club Village before moving to Cambridge Park, which led them to The Brennity at Pointe West as full time residents. Ralph was a member of the Community Church in Vero Beach.
He was an avid downhill skier and was a proud member of the National Ski Patrol at several ski areas around Pittsfield, MA. After retiring he also enjoyed playing golf. Ralph and Peggy also enjoyed square and round dancing for many years.
Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law, Richard W. Gates and Eileen Gates of Blandford, MA and David A. Gates and Louise Gates of Surry, NH; grandchildren, Audrey Gates and Gregory Gates and his wife Alicia Gates; and great-grandchildren Desmond Gates and Theia Moon Gates. Ralph is also survived by his dear friend, Bess Ginopolous of Vero Beach.
The family will be holding a private gathering in Massachusetts to honor the life of Ralph. Memorial contributions can be made to Community Church, 1901 23rd Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960 or the National Ski Patrol.
