Listen to this articleRon DiMenna, the founder of popular Jersey Shore-born Ron Jon Surf Shop, died Sept. 6 at the age of 88 in Florida.
An obituary published by Space Coast Daily announced his death.
DiMenna was a surf enthusiast from Manahawkin who wanted to “bring surfing to the masses.” He opened his first retail store in Ship Bottom in 1961, his obituary says. He then added a flagship location two years later in Cocoa Beach, Fla.
Now, Ron Jon is considered the world’s largest surf retailer. The brand boasts a dozen locations along the East Coast as well as an online presence. In addition to surfboards, it also sells clothing, accessories and beach essentials.
DiMenna and his wife, Lynne, also established Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation. The charity aims to protect beaches and address coastal pollution through proceeds from the Endless Summer specialty license plate.
A continuing legacy
DiMenna’s death comes four months after a brand-new one-story Ron Jon Surf Shop replaced the longtime original location in Ship Bottom. The old building has since been demolished.
In a statement, Ron Jon Surf Shop President Michele Goodwin said, “Ron was known as a free spirit, and his love for the beach and the sport of surfing endured throughout his life.”
She went on to say, “The entire Ron Jon family mourns this loss. On behalf of our Board of Directors, management team, and employees, we extend our deepest sympathy to Ron’s wife, Lynne DiMenna.”
Goodwin added that the chain “will continue to function as it has, and nothing will change in the company’s day-to-day operations” and that “Ron’s vision and legacy will live on for generations through Ron Jon Surf Shop and Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation.”
In a tribute shared online, Ron Jon Surf Shop wrote, “Our thoughts are with his wife, Lynne, during this difficult time. We honor all the creativity he brought into this world, and we will continue to honor his love for the beach and all things surf.”
