Ron Kass Sr., Ron Kass Jr., Bob Kass and Curt De Angelis
I have been blessed with a wonderful support system, at home and on the job. This story is about loyalty, respect, sacrifice and love of the trade.
"The Crew" (l-r): Ron Kass Jr., Ron Kass Sr., Curt De Angelis, Bob Kass
In 1994, my apprentice Curt De Angelis of Kintnersville, Pa., had come to the end of his 5-year apprenticeship, and my son Bobby had started his apprenticeship with me. One week after Curt finished working with me, I suffered a heart attack and had to have cardiac bypass surgery to repair the damage. Curt came by 4 days later to check on me. Curt asked me what he could do to help. I told him that my doctor said I would be back to 100% in 90 days, and I asked Curt to help keep my business running during that time. Curt immediately said, "Yes, I will be you until you are back on your feet again."
Curt and my son Bobby took over my business and kept my customers satisfied. I unfortunately had medical setbacks during my recovery, and had to have bypass surgery performed a second time in under 6 months. Needless to say, this extended the 90 days recovery that I had asked for help. Curt and my son Bobby kept my business running for 14 months as I recovered. When I was finally able to return to work, it was like i had never left. Curt delayed starting his own business to ensure that I could maintain my business, as well as mentoring my son who was a new apprentice at the time of my heart attack.
Shortly after my return to running my business, my oldest son Ron Jr. called me and said, "I want to become a farrier." I was against this idea from the start because Ron had a finance degree from Temple University, as well as a good job in New York City. Ron told me that all that was great, but he wasn't happy there. He then began working with me, and that was over 20 years ago.
Five years ago I turned 70 and I wanted to retire. My boys told me NO, NOT YET. So, for the last 5 years I have been going out on the road with them one or two days a week. I don't get under the horses anymore, but I do all of the forge work and talk to my customers on the days I'm out with them. It keeps me busy.
Curt, Bobby, and Ron Jr. are very successful farriers, and I am very proud of them all. My wife Louise remains as my #1 supporter and tolerates my restless behavior on the days that i am not on the road with my sons.
— Ron Kass Sr.
