Kal Kassel, 70, entrepreneur in commercial real estate
June 19, 2025
Kal Jordan Kassel of Pawleys Island died May 18 surrounded by family and friends at the Medical University of South Carolina from a sudden brain stroke. He was 70.
He was born Jan. 14, 1955, in Roslyn, N.Y., the son of Doris and Alvin Kassel. He learned generosity from his father and how to stand up for the weak and for his beliefs from his mother. He was an excellent student and active member of the high school tennis team.
“Without fear, Kal would stand up to any bully, defend someone being taken advantage of and come to the rescue of those in need,” a high school friend recalled.
He went on to study at the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania where he graduated in 1978.
Mr. Kassel was known everywhere locally, from the pickleball courts to the golf course to the board room. He was a businessman and an entrepreneur in commercial real estate. When he moved from New York to Pawleys Island in the 1990s, he and his best friend Kristen opened Thyme Out, the first gourmet deli/gas station in the state. Many novel business ventures followed.
He was also a supporter of animal rescues and offered both financial and emotional support to the McNeal Veterinary Hospital. Candi Boyd, the veterinarian, said it was not just his own pets he cared for. He recently came in with a dog needing help on behalf of a young couple low on funds.
He regularly enjoyed tennis, golf and taking long walks with his dogs, Doge and Lexi. He also had a cat, Tahoe.
His recent passion was pickleball. He made his mark at the local club as a competitive player with a sense of humor.
He is survived by his sisters, Bonnie Kassel (Tony Romeo) and Kim Kassel Diethelm (Markus); his nieces, Kira and Amelina Diethelm; and his second family, Kristen Brown and her children, Logan and Peyton and Kaiden Daniels, whom he took under his wing and mentored since the age of 2.
Condolences may be sent at burroughsfh.com.
