At Choice Machinery Group, we pause to reflect on the life and legacy of Ase Stornetta—an industry leader, inventor, and mentor whose influence shaped decades of American woodworking. Ase passed away on April 16, 2025, at 73, leaving behind a legacy rooted in integrity, ingenuity, and hands-on excellence.
Raised on a Northern California farm, Ase’s early years were filled with practical problem-solving and mechanical curiosity. That mindset carried into his professional life, where he found a lasting home in woodworking machinery. In 1988, he acquired Ritter Manufacturing from founder Joe Ritter and began a new chapter of American-made innovation.
Under Ase’s leadership, Ritter grew into a vertically integrated operation known for producing some of the most durable woodworking equipment in the market. From fabrication to final assembly, every part of the process reflected his standard of rugged reliability—machines built to work, and built to last.
Never content to stand still, Ase expanded Ritter’s offerings in 2001 by bringing the Crouch product line under the brand. His additions strengthened Ritter’s capabilities in pocket joinery, boring, sanding, shaping, and assembly. He wasn’t just building machines—he was building solutions that made life easier for shops across the country.
When Choice Machinery Group acquired Ritter in 2016, Ase stayed close to the work he loved. Though no longer at the helm, he continued to advise and support the transition, sharing wisdom earned over a lifetime in the trade. He retired in 2023 to his farm in Bangor, California, where he returned to the outdoors and the satisfaction of working the land.
A Legacy That Endures
Ase’s impact is still felt today—not only in the machines that continue to run reliably in shops across North America but in the values we carry forward. At Ritter and across Choice Machinery Group, we remain committed to the standards he set: durability, practicality, and a no-nonsense approach to helping woodworkers succeed.
Want to See the Tools Ase Helped Build?
Explore Ritter’s lineup of hardworking, shop-proven machinery. Contact us today today for a consultation or Browse Equipment.
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