Albert Poland Nightingale — known and forever loved as Poli — passed away on Aug. 16, 2025, after five hard years battling cancer, never letting it define him. Surrounded by the deep love of family and friends near and far, Poli left this world with grace and peace. His devoted wife, Helen Nightingale, remained by his side every step of the way.
You didn’t have to know Poli long to feel like you’d known him forever. A man of boundless energy and passion, Poli was rarely still. Though he cherished quiet hours alone riding his bike thru the hills of Vermont or on his tractor pushing snow, he truly came alive in the outdoors. An exceptional skier, surfer and all-around athlete, Poli embraced any challenge outside — and was hard to beat at all of them. Poli wasn’t just a skier — he was a mentor, a motivator, and, to many, the greatest ski coach they ever had. He had a way of making kids believe in themselves, of turning fear into fun, and of showing them the magic of the mountains. His love for the sport was contagious. Of all the mountains Poli skied and all the athletes he coached, his proudest runs were always the ones he took with his children, Larken and Wiley. Teaching them to ski wasn’t just about turns or technique — it was about passing down a love for the outdoors, for adventure, for freedom. Watching them carve down the hill with joy in their hearts was, for Poli, the ultimate victory. He had an unmatched love for life, for his family and children, and for the countless deep friendships he built — friendships that lasted a lifetime and stretched across the world.
Poli was born on October 26, 1972, to Bill and Nancy Nightingale of Woodstock, Vermont. At age 2, the family moved from Barnard to Woodstock, where Poli spent his childhood running through the woods, getting muddy, and inventing games in the backyard with his older brother Sean and younger sister Piper. Poli’s love for the ocean was born during family vacations to Staniel Cay, Bahamas where he dove for conch, spearfished, snorkeled and explored island life. Summers in Little Compton, RI, deepened that connection — surfing, sailing, and fishing, and spending barefoot evenings by the sea.
Poli graduated from Woodstock Union High School in 1991and graduated from UVM in 1995. He spent many days chasing powder at Stowe and Mad River Glen before heading west to Jackson Hole, where he threw himself off Corbet’s Couloir, chased powder at sunrise, managed a wine store and camped through the wilderness with close friends.
Eventually, the East Coast called him back and Poli built a career managing events for bands and athletes, including tours with the X Games, Dew Tour, and Dave Matthews Band. For 30+ years, he traveled across the U.S. and around the world — being a part of adrenaline-fueled sporting events and music tours. It was his family on the road.
Poli was endlessly kind, effortlessly generous, quick with a sarcastic quip and a warm, knowing smile. His twinkling blue eyes often gave away his playful wit. He was the kind of person people felt lucky to know — the best friend, brother, son, husband, papa, and colleague anyone could ask for. Poli was the kind of person who would ski 66 runs in a day at his home town mountain, Suicide Six just to see if he could — and then casually bring it up over a beach bonfire as if it were no big deal. It was a big deal. He always was.
It was in Little Compton where he met Helen, at a beach picnic. From that day forward, they were inseparable. Together, they built a beautiful life and a home filled with laughter and love, raising two children, Larken and Wiley. Poli always said his family was his world — and he was theirs. He and Helen were true partners in every joy, every adventure, and every challenge life presented.
He is deeply missed by his wife Helen, their children Larken and Wiley, and their dog Willow; by his parents Bill and Nancy Nightingale; his brother Sean Nightingale, sister-in-law Amy, niece and nephew Talus and Gus; his sister Piper Benoit, brother-in-law Cyrus, and niece and nephew Tasia and Briggs. His absence is felt deeply, but the impact of his life — the friendships, the laughter, the adventures — will live on.
Poli lived fully, with heart and purpose, every single day. He would want us to keep living in that same spirit — to laugh, love, explore, surf, bike, dance, and chase fresh snow. Most of all, he would want us to be happy. He left this world far too soon – cut short by an awful disease that takes too many. But he left us all better. In Poli’s honor, take that trip. Hug your people. Catch the wave. Ski the powder. Tell the joke. Live like he did — with strength, grace and an easy smile.
A celebration of life will occur this winter when the snow falls. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Woodstock Ski Runners.
An online guestbook can be found at cabotfh.com.
