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Ron DiMenna, the founder of Ron Jon Surf Shop, died at the age of 88.

DiMenna started the business in 1959 by selling surfboards from his car in New Jersey.

The company grew into a major retailer with its flagship Cocoa Beach store becoming a tourist attraction.

COCOA BEACH — Ron DiMenna, who drew thousands to the love of surfing and helped build Ron Jon Surf Shop into one of the world's most iconic surf- and beach-themed retail stores, has died.

DiMenna, who had a home on Merritt Island, was 88.

“Ron was revolutionary,” said Jack A. Kirschenbaum, a retired Cocoa Beach attorney and avid surfer who was a close friend of DiMenna and last saw him in August.

“He turned surfing, which was a nomadic, fringe sport practiced by kids into a mainstream retail juggernaut. H

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