Bensalem, Pa., farrier Dean Musser passed away Wednesday, May 19, 2021. He was 64.

Musser was in the farrier business for more than 40 years. His love for horses started at a young age and only grew more passionate with his early experience at Chat’s Stable in Holmesburg. After graduation from high school, Musser traveled to Michigan to become a craftsman who trims and shoes horses’ hooves. He capitalized on this education by building an outstanding career that included high visibility work not only at Phila Park/Parx Casino track, but also racing venues in five surrounding states. The absolute demand for his skill and his commitment to the craft, coupled with high standards of excellence, took him outside the country on numerous occasions for his racing stable and trainer clients that even led to him shoeing Big Brown — a Kentucky Derby and Belmont winner. Big names or small, Musser worked with them all and it was all fun and games until someone threw a shoe.

The only thing that could rival Dean’s passion for his business was his love for his family.  To Dean, family was the priority and he made sure to never end a conversation with a family member without a meaningful “I love you.” He especially was fond of his two grandsons as he knew they were precious gifts given to him by his daughter to complete the circle of love.

Musser never let someone define his life but rather determined that himself. He had no fear of judgment from others and had the courage to follow his heart and intuition. From coming into this world 6 weeks earlier than expected to walking at 9 months (running soon thereafter), to his parents finding him on the roof of the garage at 2 ½ years old, to the countless accidents and stitches, to his countless acts of kindness — they claim to have broken the mold after Musser.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend viewing from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 26, 2021, and from 9:30-11 a.m. Thursday, May 27, 2021, at the Fluehr Funeral Home, 864 Bristol Pike (Rte. 13), Bensalem, PA 19020. The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Interment will be at Forest Hills Memorial Park, 25 Byberry Rd., Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Musser’s memory may be made to the Shriners Hospital, 3551 N. Broad St., Philadelphia PA 19140.