Pines People- Ron McKenna
Ron McKenna was a community minded person, and when he found Fire Island Pines he knew he had to be part of the communities fabric, and so he became deeply involved. In the best way. Because of his relatability he created a bond with the town of Brookhaven where the decision making happened about who could do what in the Pines. With this he became revered and relied upon in the community. It was the legacy he left that has never been replaced…
He first visited Fire Island in 1956, when his uncle took him to Cherry Grove , where he owned a house on Doctors Walk with his partner since 1948. His uncles partner who was Spanish returned to his family as the couple grew older. When his uncle grew older and could not travel to the Island anymore Ron offered to take care of the house. Thus began a love affair with a barrier beach known as Fire Island. Soon like many he discovered the Pines. With larger lots, and a larger amount of beautiful men, he knew this was home. Years later he would leave his sunny apartment in Miami beach on February 28th so he could arrive in the Pines on March first to be here on the first day of garbage pick up. He cared and loved the community so he wanted everything to go smoothly, and that all the garbage bins in the harbor were removed so when people started arriving they would see what they had left. Ron watched over every light bulb in the harbor. He was the liaison with the Police, Fire Department , and every organization in the Pines. He never said no to anyone. That was Ron. Saying he was helpful was an understatement. He made the wheels turn for every aspect of the community while always keeping his cool, and tan.
He became FIPPOA President in the 1983-84 season. He attended every meeting in Brookhaven concerning the Pines. He worked hard establishing a harmonious relationship between the Pines and Brookhaven.
He counted the chairs for the Jewish High Holidays every fall. He would literally open the community in March and close it in November. His work in the community inspired me to begin this project. Early on I got in touch with his niece Donna Schubert who donated many items that are now scanned in our archives. His dedication and commitment lives on in our mission to archive the History of the Pines.
