Services for Robert H. Reny will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at historic St. Patrick Catholic Church in Newcastle.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to the St. Patrick’s Permanent Lay Trust, P.O.33, Damariscotta, ME 04543.
Reny, who had been in declining health in recent years, passed away Friday afternoon at his home in Damariscotta. He was 83
A legendary figure in Maine business, Reny started with little and built a 14-store retail chain that successfully competed with “big box stores.” Reny founded the independent store that bears his name in Damariscotta in 1949.
In his early days, Reny kept his business afloat by selling goods door to door out of the back of his car.
In the 60 years since, the business grew from a one man operation to a Maine landmark that employs up to 475 people. Reny’s sons Bob and John Reny currently manage the company.
In a Feb. 2003 interview, John Reny told LCN that throughout its growth the business has stayed true to the model established by his father: treat the customer well and support the community that supports you.
“I think all of us are familiar with the direction of the company because we have been guided from day one by the example of my father,” Reny said. “He always believed in responsible growth, in making sure the customer was happy and having A1 credit. These are all your customers. It’s giving it back.”
On Friday Gov. John Baldacci released a statement praising R.H. Reny’s contributions to Maine’s business community.
“Bob Reny raised a great family and built a great family business,” Baldacci said. “He had an incredible work ethic and treated everyone with great respect.
“I remember my early days serving in the State Legislature, Bob worked the halls of the State House on behalf of Maine businesses. He always had a ready smile and an easy laugh, even when we disagreed. Bob worked well with Democrats and Republicans, and always put economic development for Maine first.
“My thoughts and prayers go out to Bob Reny’s family, to the employees of Renys, and to the many friends he made over the years.”
Although stressing he did not know Reny well, the chairman of the Damariscotta Board of Selectmen, Dick McLean, said R.H. Reny provided an immeasurable contribution to the community.
“You can’t have lived here and not have known him,” McLean said. “You come across people who are important in their community and that was certainly Bob.”
The Lincoln County News will follow this story with a complete report in our upcoming edition.