Ron DiMenna, Founder of Ron Jon Surf Shop, Passes Away at 88
COCOA BEACH, Fla. — Ron DiMenna, the visionary founder of the iconic Ron Jon Surf Shop, passed away on Saturday at the age of 88. DiMenna’s entrepreneurial spirit and love for the surf culture helped shape the landscape of American beach towns, leaving behind a lasting legacy that continues to inspire surf enthusiasts and tourists alike.
A Legacy Begins in New Jersey
Ron DiMenna’s journey into the world of surfing and retail began in the late 1950s on Long Beach Island, New Jersey. In 1959, DiMenna founded Ron Jon Surf Shop, a small business that quickly became a gathering place for surfers and beachgoers. It was not just a surf shop; it was a reflection of his passion for beach culture, and the store’s success marked the beginning of a surf empire that would eventually span the coastlines of Florida and beyond.
By 1961, DiMenna opened his first official Ron Jon Surf Shop in Ship Bottom, New Jersey, a modest store that would later evolve into a cultural landmark. But it wasn’t until 1963 that DiMenna’s influence truly expanded, when he opened a second store in Cocoa Beach, Florida, at Canaveral Pier. This store would go on to become the flagship of Ron Jon Surf Shop and a beacon for surf enthusiasts from all over the world.
The Iconic Cocoa Beach Store
The Cocoa Beach location quickly grew into something more than just a surf shop — it became a 52,000-square-foot celebration of beach life, surf culture, and all things coastal. This expansive store, still the largest in the Ron Jon chain, offers not only surfboards, wetsuits, and beach accessories but also a variety of souvenirs, clothing, and memorabilia that celebrate Florida’s surf culture. Over the years, it became a popular tourist destination and a symbol of DiMenna’s entrepreneurial vision and dedication to the sport of surfing.
“I wanted to create a place that captured the spirit of the beach,” DiMenna once said. “Surfing is about freedom, fun, and community, and I wanted Ron Jon to be a place where people could embrace that lifestyle, whether they were surfers or not.”
Under DiMenna’s leadership, Ron Jon Surf Shop became a household name, synonymous with both surf culture and tourism. By 1967, Ron Jon Surf Shops had expanded to seven locations in Florida, cementing its status as a Florida institution.
A Passion for Surfing and Community
Beyond the success of his business, DiMenna was a passionate advocate for the sport of surfing and its community. He was known for being a hands-on leader, regularly visiting his stores and interacting with customers and employees. His love for surfing was evident in everything he did, and his commitment to promoting the sport helped bring surfing into the mainstream during the 60s and 70s.
Ron Jon Surf Shop has also been a long-time sponsor of local surfing events and a supporter of charities and causes related to the beach and ocean conservation. DiMenna’s influence stretched far beyond the walls of his stores, as he consistently sought to elevate the sport and its community, both in Florida and nationwide.
Remembering a Pioneer
The loss of Ron DiMenna has left a significant void in the surfing world. His legacy lives on not only through his stores but also through the thousands of individuals who have been touched by his contributions to the surfing community. From the early days in New Jersey to the growth of the Cocoa Beach flagship store, DiMenna’s vision was always rooted in a love for the ocean and the people who embraced it.
“Ron was a true pioneer in every sense of the word,” said one longtime friend and colleague. “He didn’t just sell surfboards; he sold a lifestyle. He created a place where people could come together and celebrate the beach. His impact on the surfing world and his community will never be forgotten.”
A Community in Mourning
DiMenna’s passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes from the surfing world and beyond. Surfers, employees, and fans of Ron Jon Surf Shop have shared fond memories of the man who helped define beach culture and made an indelible mark on the Florida coastline. Many described him as a true gentleman, a visionary who cared deeply about his employees, customers, and the sport of surfing.
The Ron Jon Surf Shop family, along with the communities in which the stores operate, will continue to honor DiMenna’s memory by preserving his vision and legacy for generations to come.
A Lasting Legacy
Ron DiMenna’s impact on surfing, tourism, and Florida’s coastal culture will remain far beyond his passing. His work in creating Ron Jon Surf Shop has left a lasting imprint on the hearts of beachgoers and surfers from all walks of life.
He is survived by his family, friends, and a community of dedicated employees who carry forward the values of warmth, inclusivity, and passion that he instilled in his business.
Rest in peace, Ron DiMenna. Your legacy will continue to inspire surfers, beach lovers, and entrepreneurs alike for many years to come.
