Daniel Nicholas Machalaba, 72, passed away Monday, July 26, 2021. Loved for his integrity and gentle humor, he was known for his honesty, love of nature, and quiet but kind personality.

He began a long career as a newspaper reporter at the Paterson News covering local news. He went on to work for the Fairchild Publications Daily News Record in New York City, and wrote freelance stories for The New York Times with his brother Robert as the photographer. He joined The Wall Street Journal in 1976, first in Philadelphia, and later in New York and then Vermont for over 32 years. For most of his career, he reported on surface transportation: trains, trucks, and ships. He was known for meticulous reporting and presenting all sides of issues, as well as his quirky front page feature stories and persistent questioning style.

He was born in Woodhaven, Queens on April 4, 1949 and grew up in Livingston, New Jersey. He attended New York University, with undergraduate and graduate degrees with honors in English literature. He moved to Vermont in 1996 to work remotely for the Journal and spend more time with his family.

Dan was born with heart issues, and was always amazed that he could handle the long hours and travel of reporting. His reporting took him all over the world to bridges, shipping ports, freight yards, and corporate and government offices, with trips on passenger and freight trains, ferry boats, bush planes over the Adirondacks, long distance cargo ships and 18 wheelers. He reported on the unique businesses, lives and issues of his topics.

After retirement in 2009, Dan wrote occasional stories for Trains Magazine and the Wall Street Journal, including a story about Woodstock, Vermont for the retirement section. Most recently he wrote in the Vermont Standard as a volunteer for Sustainable Woodstock on issues of renewable energy. He had a keen interest in public transportation and efficient energy design.

Daniel is survived by his wife of 44 years, Linda; his son Paul and daughter Catherine; his brother Robert; and cat, Milo. He was predeceased by his parents Stella and Nicholas; brother Tommy; and his cat and best friend, Muslin.

Dan appreciated living a simple, healthy life in Vermont, and seeing the abundant wildlife and scenic beauty in the area during walks on his road. He enjoyed saying hello to friends while reading on a bike at the Woodstock Fitness Center, and watching trains in White River Junction.

There will be a funeral mass at 11am on Saturday, July 31st at Our Lady of the Snows in Woodstock, VT. Dan greatly admired the work of University of Alabama Medicine's Structural and Heart Valve Program, Sustainable Woodstock, and Thompson Senior Center. His family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to these or similar good causes.