‘surf Pioneer’ Founder Of Ron Jon Surf Shop Dies At Age 88

Ron DiMenna, the founder of Ron Jon Surf Shop, died Sept. 6 at the age of 88. DiMenna started the business in 1959 selling surfboards from his car in New Jersey, later opening the iconic Cocoa Beach store here in Brevard County. Known for turning surfing into a mainstream lifestyle and retail brand, he also supported beach preservation through his nonprofit Surfing’s Evolution & Preservation Foundation.