Longtime Forum Member and Magazine Contributor Skip Natoli Passes

Tough news.  I did not know Skip personally, but I really enjoyed his contributions. Seemed like a great guy.  His NYC Christmas walking tour was an annual treat.

Sad news indeed.

RIP Skip.

Pete

Condolences to his family and friends.  Did a splendid job of sharing his passion for the hobby and life.

That is a sad

So sad to hear this. Skip was one of the good guys in this hobby. He will truly be missed. Condolences to his family.

Very sad news indeed.  Skip was a real passionate model railroader.  My sincere condolences to his family and friends.  

Oh my. That is so sad.  He was such a great guy. We will miss him and his posts.

Expletive!!!

Man, I had thumbed through one of Skip's recent runs. Dang.

While I ran into Skip, we only knew each other through a few emails back and forth about various New York Central engines. During 2019's York week, I had gone out to Strasburg for 611 and I got there extremely early(I think they had finished cleaning all the cars for the day's run). Well, Skip and friends(as well as some of our OGR colleagues) were anxiously waiting for the morning to begin with cab tours and whistle blowing. Skip was actually behind me but since he had the cab tour and I only a whistle blow, his group and others were moved ahead.

I did manage to snap a quick pic of him which I think I had popped on here on another topic(I'll find it tonight and repost). I also believe that one of the whistle blows I recorded via video is his groups.

I really wish I got to know Skip better. I know through one of our correspondences he had gotten busy in baseball(little league I think). He had been off the forum for a bit and that was what he had said he was busy with.

I know that we will all miss his smile that was seen at York by all. New York Central Hudson's all the way Skip, R.I.P.

Very sorry to hear this news about Skip.I always enjoyed seeing him at the TCA meets and talking about the hobby with him.RIP Skip.

WOW!

OMG. God bless him and his family.

Sad to hear.  Condolences to his friends here and to his family.

Very sad news. May God & Jesus be with Skip as well as his family and friends.

Very sad.  Skip was a great guy

Skip's Christmas images always got me into the Christmas Spirit.

Condolences to his family.

I always enjoyed his NYC Christmas "Walking Tour" threads.  Prayers and condolences to his family.  RIP Skip...

Andy

It really hurts losing a friend like Skip from this forum family. My sincere condolences to Skip’s family and all his friends.

Always had great conversations at Trainstock over the years with Skip. He had such a strong passion for our hobby.
My condolences to his family.

I have been on the phone as well as the keyboard discussing this horrible news all morning.  Frankly ... I am in shock as many of you are/were when you heard of his passing.  I echo Allan Miller's comments above ... Skip was one of those guys that you couldn't help but like.  He was a beacon for this hobby and of course a kindred spirit when it comes to layout themes.  Skip and I had several conversations about our urban themed layouts and always made a point to visit each other at York.  He was a top contributor to O Gauge Railroading Magazine with his inspiring Christmas scenes which received tons of wonderful comments from thousands of readers who enjoyed his articles.

We have lost another one of the "great ones" in this hobby which is so sad.  We will miss you so much my Friend ....

Very sorry to hear this. I had worked with Skip (we both dicussed a section of the former New York Central's Putnam Division) on the "Walk The Put" DVD that accompanied one of Joe Schiavone's "The Old Put " series books. He was truly a nice guy.

Condolences to his family. RIP.

Tom

Condolences to Skip' s family and friends.

Skip = Christmas in NYC.

An absolute gentleman. I am so sorry to hear of his passing.

My condolences to his family.

Mat

Yes, Skip contributed so much to the hobby, a true ambassador of our hobby. I met him at York one year and we hit it off just fine. May the Lord be with his family.

Very sorry to hear this news. I always enjoyed seeing Skip's New York Central posts on the Forum.

MELGAR

So sorry to hear this, I've met Skip a few times, and he always had a smile on his face.  My condolences to his family and friends of which he had many.

That is really awful.  I bumped into him once when we were in line for a cab tour on 611.  Nice guy - infectious enthusiasm for trains - and he didn't strike me as particularly old.  What a shame.

Another reminder that life is short and needs to be focused on important things - friends, family - and nothing petty.  

Sincere condolences to his family and prayers that he rests in peace.

I am so sorry to learn of his passing.  I greatly enjoyed his New York City walking tour threads for the Christmas season - he brought "Christmastime in the city" to life with his enthusiasm and well researched and well thought-out recommendations.  With the cheer and energy that typified his writings, he always seemed youthful.  My condolences to his family and friends.   

Thank you @NJCJOE for posting the video of Skip singing "yesterday".  What a voice and guitar!    I always wanted to meet Skip, was hoping to get to NY at some point and invite him to lunch (Italian of course).  Such a great loss to us on the Forum.   

Deepest condolences to his family and friends, 

My condolences to his family.

@NJCJOE posted:

Priceless!  Thank you for sharing that Joe.

Too bad…nice guy. I talked with him a few times at York.

I will be praying for him, and his family,

RIP Skip.

Such sad news.  My prayers and condolences go out to Skip, his family and friends.  His passing leaves an empty place in the hearts of all who knew him.

I had the pleasure of sitting next to him at Trainstock once.  Of course the conversation started out about trains then naturally went to Christams and the Walking Tour and quickly became two Bronx kids talking about family, friends and growing up in the northwest Bronx.  Even though we didn't know each growing up we shard so many of the same memories it seemed as if we did.

God rest your soul Skip and keep you in his presence.

So sad to hear God bless!

OMG! Im in total shock! I remember Skip with the Bear Mountain train displays in the mid to late 1970's, talking about the elusive Maerkin "Swiss Air" layout and my time with him at the Bergen Co. Model RR club back at the "Turn of the Century"

Wow! God Bless and those TW layouts IMHO was retirement money well spent esp for his short time in retirement!

Very sad news, I always enjoyed his contributions to this forum and others.  My sincere condolences to all who knew him.

So sorry to hear this, I always enjoyed Skips post's and photo's.  My condolences to Skip's family and friends.  Godspeed Skip.

Rest in Peace Skip

What a shock..........Skip was a passionate fan of the New York Central and model railroading. He also was a fan of the the Putman Division and we spent many times in the past discussing the Central's "quaint lost division". His passion for Christmas and all things New York City will be missed.....I am in shock!

Peter

Skip Natoli was not only one of my best friends but one of the most wonderful human beings I ever met. We have been buddies for over twenty years. Many know him as a passionate railroader, others know him as an amazing guitar aficionado, still more know him as a Yankee fan. My wife and I have been blessed to know him as a great human being. He was an administrator of the New York welfare system where countless people benefitted from his caring and compassion. If you had a train gathering, Skip made it sparkle, if you loved music, Skip made it much more fun, if you loved the yankees, Skip would proudly wear his satin Yankee jacket. More than anything on earth, Skip loved his children. He spoke of them constantly and adored walking the streets of New York City Holiday time with them and sharing the photos with us.

It is the nature of life to love and suffer loss. If we did not love greatly, we would not be so mournful when those we enjoy so much are taken from us. My wife and I will be life long beneficiaries because we knew Skip. He'll be with us every day in one form or another. Toot the whistles tonight for Skip Natoli.

This is shocking to hear.  I always enjoyed talking to Skip over the years whether it be at York, the club or visiting the layout of a mutual friend.  I think we talked more about baseball than we did trains.  He was a great guy and will be missed.

-Greg

I am in shock reading this, such a great guy! My sincerest condolences to his family.

Miketg

I’ve already posted a message, but I returned to hear his singing, and what a great voice he had…Thanks for posting this video. RIP….

Never had the pleasure of meeting Skip but his warmth and friendliness always seemed to shine through his posts and especially his NYC Walking Tours. I was born in Brooklyn (US Navy Hospital) but was whisked away pretty quickly as my Dad was sent to the Pacific in late 1944. As a boy, I wished we lived in NY as I wanted to see the Lionel and American Flyer layouts and other things the city offered as I got older.

Skip's love of the city was apparent and I enjoyed some of the comments he would make in his posts. Lord bless your family and our prayers go out to them. Thanks Skip for many memories!

Condolences to the family.

John

Sincere condolences to his family and friends. I enjoyed his Christmas time contributions to OGR.

@Rider Sandman posted:

Tough news.   I did not know Skip personally, but I really enjoyed his contributions.  Seemed like a great guy. 

I echo this sentiment.   Very sad to hear this.

@Jerryrails posted:

Skip Natoli was not only one of my best friends but one of the most wonderful human beings I ever met. We have been buddies for over twenty years. Many know him as a passionate railroader, others know him as an amazing guitar aficionado, still more know him as a Yankee fan. My wife and I have been blessed to know him as a great human being. He was an administrator of the New York welfare system where countless people benefitted from his caring and compassion. If you had a train gathering, Skip made it sparkle, if you loved music, Skip made it much more fun, if you loved the yankees, Skip would proudly wear his satin Yankee jacket. More than anything on earth, Skip loved his children. He spoke of them constantly and adored walking the streets of New York City Holiday time with them and sharing the photos with us.

It is the nature of life to love and suffer loss. If we did not love greatly, we would not be so mournful when those we enjoy so much are taken from us. My wife and I will be life long beneficiaries because we knew Skip. He'll be with us every day in one form or another. Toot the whistles tonight for Skip Natoli.

Jerry, thanks for sharing your stories about Skip. Very touching.  Skip is a great role model for us.   My deepest sympathy to you.

The place, Strasburg PA, October 18th, 2019, 9:13AM waiting for things to get going with N&W 611.

I remember getting to Strasburg bright and early, 7:46 the first shot I took says. I don't remember seeing Skip walking around with some of the other folks that got there earlier, but I do remember when the line had started to form(before we found out cab tours would be going first), someone laughed behind me which came from Skip's group. A smile on his face, just like most of us had usually seen. I really wish I had bought the cab tour back then, I should have talked with him but alas.

So, that is not it. A few days later, October 20th, 2019, just after noon I'll say at the New Jersey HiRailers Party for the 50th Anniversary of OGR Magazine. I had actually been behind Skip about 5 feet or so before ducking under the cameras so I could get some shots in the back.

Definitely not the best shot(as Skip's eyes are closed) but preferably to the back of his head.

I always loved seeing Skip's layout in the magazine or pictures posted here or elsewhere on the web. Some of the topics he posted(or started) I would always get my nose in even if it was something like some of the old places in New York City that I haven't heard of. People like Skip just captured your attention with the topic at hand.

A great example, New York City Walking Tour

Skip will be greatly missed, my condolences to his family and friends.

Rich is right, he could get you in the Christmas spirit just like that.

I am going over to Tall Building Tuesday, which Skip started and where I have not posted in some time. See what I can find. Here's to you Skip.

I didn`t know him personaly, but always enjoed his articles in OGR, may he rest in peace and our condolences to his family

So sad to hear this. Skip was such a lovely bloke. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends. From Dave in Australia.

Angela and myself are deeply saddened upon hearing of Skip’s passing. He was a good friend. We spent many hours at York talking trains and Angela’s paintings. He will be missed by many people. Our thoughts go out to his family at this sad time.

Angela and Bob Thomas

I am so sad to read of Skip's passing!  I think I saw him online recently.  I never met him in person, but always enjoyed his posts and articles.  May God bless his family and close friends at this time!

So sorry to read this.  Though I never met him, I enjoyed his posts, especially those related to the NYC.  Condolences and prayers to his family- he will be missed.

Here is one of his threads that I enjoyed in particular and generated a lot of participation from the NYC fans: NYC Classics .

Here is Skip's obituary.

https://www.dignitymemorial.co...fred-natoli-11866118

Tom

@PRR8976 posted:

Here is Skip's obituary.

https://www.dignitymemorial.co...fred-natoli-11866118

Tom

Thank you, Tom. 😢

I also didn't know him personally. But skip, like a lot of the guys, I almost felt I know. He brought an energy to The forum that a lot due and have. Especially around christmas. I will miss his posts

I am very sorry to read this sad news. My condolences to Skip's family.

Skip and I corresponded a few years ago regarding his extensive knowledge of the early rail lines along the west side of Manhattan. His enthusiasm for the splendor of NY City's Christmas wonders was contagious, inspiring my wife and I to take his grand "walking" tour some years ago. More recently, I've been working on a living room Christmas display, only the woodwork at this point, and I've been using the OGR spreads of Skip's cheerful Dept. 56 and his magnificent NY City layouts for ideas. As I am typing this, I cannot believe he has passed away.

I’m in total shock hearing and reading this thread. Taken from us way too young. Skip and I always conversed at York and at the NJ Hirailers open houses. A true NYC expert whose layout was featured in the OGR magazine a few times.

The NYC Commodore Vanderbilt and the NYC Mohawk are on the garage floor lines dedicated to our friend, Skip.

My condolences to his family. He will be missed by all.  

So sad to read of Skips passing, rest in peace.

Sad, we've lost another nice guy

RIP

Shocked and saddened. Skip was the best. As fellow New York City kids, we hit it off right away when we met through the hobby. He was a great modeler, passionate Yankee fan, devoted family man, and lover of all things Christmas, particularly trains!

My condolences to his family.

Jim

I think it was on the Tall Building Tuesday topic that he started that he and I were bouncing back and forth about the Empire State Building. The top of the building was to have a docking port for blimps which some of you may know. Skip had popped I think some of the plans as well as some pictures, all with the description of what it was going to be like. I don't remember if it was deemed too much or if the B-24 crashing into the ESB nixed it for sure. Either way, it was a delight to read Skip's information on the building and the blimps.

So sorry to hear this.  We should have longer time to keep running our trains and sharing this hobby with others, as Skip always did.

RIP Skip.  Make sure to convert St. Peter to O gauge.

@NJCJOE posted:

Thanks to NJCJOE for posting this video of Skip singing "Yesterday." I am posting it again here in the event some folks didn't see it on the previous page.

Clear block to Heaven Skip.

So sad to hear of Skip's passing! I did not know him personally, but from all the stuff I have read about him and his post here on the forum shows that he was one heck of a guy! May he rest in peace and prayers out to his family and friends!

I am sorry to hear of Skip's passing. I also did not know him but I enjoyed his posts here on the forum. You could tell he had a real passion for trains both the prototype and model. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends.

Always sad to lose a member of the community, condolences to the family.

@PRR8976 posted:

Here is Skip's obituary.

https://www.dignitymemorial.co...fred-natoli-11866118

Tom

Thanks. Im going to make it a point to make it to the viewing tomorrow.

So sorry to hear this. I always loved reading his posts and his layout articles.  Deepest condolences to his family.

Very sad news. One of the best of the best for sure.

Bob

So sorry to hear the news.  Condolences to his family.

We're going to miss him dearly

Mike

That's sad news. I liked Skip's articles a lot! Seemed like a great guy! Best wishes to his family.

Like everyone else here I’m shocked and saddened - it’s hard to believe and just doesn’t seem real

Rest in peace Skip

We had a million great train days together but this one was a lot of fun

Cab time in the 611 - Thank you Skip 👍🏼

dorfj2,

Thanks so much for posting that video !!

@Jerryrails posted:

dorfj2,

Thanks so much for posting that video !!

Agree!  that is true joy to see Skip enjoying the experience of blowing the whistle.  He was a true pro.

I just attended the first viewing of Skip at the funeral home.

Lots..and I MEAN LOTS of pictures of skip and family but a bunch of skip and Lionel trains, skip and the 1:1 as well.

Apparently he was diagnosed with  a rare blood disorder a few weeks ago and just started treatments when the Lord ultimately had other plans.

At this time I believe Skip is the engineer of the Twentiety Century Ltd. Head to a Yankee game in Chicago.

God Speed Skip! Thank you for the model train memories at the shows, the club, and the Bear Mountain Lodge Christmas displays decades ago.

He Loved the NYC!

Center photo of the Grand Central Terminal Transit museum TW Christmas Display

Bergen Co model RR club Pearl River NY show.

Choo choo barn.

Photos taken by me of family photos of Skips past.

Very sad news. Skip actually took all the photos of my layout when it was featured in OGR magazine. He was a great guy and loved his trains ! He will be missed, rest in peace ! 🙏🏻

Alex

So sorry to hear of Skip's passing. RIP.

Sorry to hear this.  I always enjoyed Skip's posts and seeing photos of his layouts.  A great hobbyist gone too soon.

I'm late to this one. Skip was a great guy and will be sorely missed. So much has been beautifully said above and no need to repeat it. He gave so much to a lot of different things, particularly the train community. Sue and I are grateful for the relationship we had with him and Diane. Our sincere condolences to her and his family.

Gerry

@NJCJOE posted:

Condolences to the immediate family and Skip's many friends.     His legacy lives on for all time  in this song performance .

Many thanks for sharing this Joe.  God speed . 

I never met Skip but always loved his Christmas posts and the Walking Tour of NYC posts.  He will certainly be missed by all of us in the Hobby.  Condolences to his friends and family .  May he Rest in Peace with our Lord.

Don

My condolences to his family.

My Condolences to his Family!

I was absent from the Forum for a couple of weeks and came back to see this. Truly sad! Another great train guy gone too soon and too young. I always enjoyed his NYC Christmas stories, particularly as I'd likewise visited many of those places over the years while growing up and sharing them with my wife and daughter, too. He will be missed and yet remembered by many.

My sincere, if belated, condolences to Skip's family and friends.

Chris

I'm also late to the post, but out of respect to Skip, still wanted to extend my sincere condolences to Skip's family.  His passing is a huge loss for all of us in the hobby, and he will be greatly missed.  I never had the pleasure of meeting Skip in person, but his posts always made me feel as if I had.  May you rest in peace, Skip.

Thank you for  helping me enjoy this Hobby. R.I.P.

Stephen P. Stanley

Sadly, this is my first time on the Forum since Skip's passing. So very sad. We had so many meet-ups over the past twenty years talking about our mutual interests, including trains, Yanks, Rangers, and Martin guitars. I will miss him.

Very sad news. Skip was one of the good guys. Condolences to the family and his friends.

RIP Skip

Prayers for the family.