Longtime Seal Beach Resident Ronald Mackey Pine Dies at 91

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Ronald Mackey Pine, a longtime resident of Seal Beach, California, passed away on January 15, 2026, at the age of 91. Pine was born in 1934 in Waukegan, Illinois, and later moved to Harbor City, California as an infant. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and worked at Shell Oil Company for many years before transitioning to the restaurant industry. Pine was known for his love of sports, especially golf, and his dedication to his wife of over 60 years, Helen 'Jo' Murphy Pine, whom he cared for after she suffered a stroke.

Why it matters

Ronald Mackey Pine's passing marks the end of an era for the Seal Beach community, where he had been a fixture for decades. As a veteran, longtime employee, and devoted family man, Pine's life story reflects the experiences of many Americans of his generation who built careers, raised families, and remained engaged in their local communities.

The details

After serving in the Korean War, Pine worked at Shell Oil Company starting in 1957, where he met his wife, Helen 'Jo' Murphy. The couple married in 1958 and had four daughters together. When Pine left Shell Oil, he worked in the restaurant industry, eventually becoming a commissary supervisor. In retirement, Pine enjoyed playing golf several times a week and participating in card games like poker and blackjack, at which he was skilled. Pine was known for his unwavering care for his wife after she suffered a stroke, providing for her needs for 20 years.

• Ronald Mackey Pine was born on March 30, 1934 in Waukegan, Illinois.
• Pine served in the U.S. Army from February 16, 1954 to February 17, 1957, during the Korean War.
• Pine began working at Shell Oil Company in October 1957.
• Pine married Helen 'Jo' Murphy on April 26, 1958.
• Pine passed away on January 15, 2026 at the age of 91.