By American Farriers Journal Staff

Loxahatchee, Fla., farrier Nick Russo passed away Saturday, May 9, after battling cancer. He was 35.

“Heaven gained an angel today,” his wife Katie told the American and Canadian Association of Professional Farriers (AAPF/CAPF). "My loving husband Nick Russo has gone to be with the Lord.”

A memorial service is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, May 12 at Palms West Funeral Home in Royal Palm Beach.

“Selfishly I am sad, because I lost my best friend, but I am at peace because he is no longer suffering,” Katie says. “I know he is roping up in heaven on this beautiful day.”

The AAPF/CAPF organized an auction in December to benefit Russo’s family. The auction drew AAPF/CAPF members and friends to the parking lot of a Wellington, Fla., bagel shop where many of Russo’s fellow farriers gather each morning before the start of the work day.

“Thank you to all who have prayed for us during this pay year and a half while Nick has battled cancer,” Katie says.

Russo is survived by his wife Katie and two small children.

Condolences may be left with the family at the online tribute wall or directly to the Russo family at 18080 W. Sycamore Dr., Loxahatchee, FL  33470.