Patty established McKenna Roofing & Construction, of which she served as president and has been a member of NERCA since 1999.

It is with profound sadness that the family announced that Patricia Smith (Lemois) McKenna, 66, beloved wife, mother, gigi, aunt and friend, passed away on December 18, 2024, at Hope Hospice.

Born in Pawtucket, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Carole (Lucas) Lemois. Patty started her roofing career at Patrick J. McKenna roofing in the 1980s. She later established McKenna Roofing and Construction where she served as President until this year. Patty was an accomplished and recognized leader in the Rhode Island and Massachusetts roofing industry, particularly as one of the first female leaders in the industry.

Patty leaves a legacy of remarkable generosity, strength and compassion. Patty was generous with her time and love in all the communities of which she took part. She loved “giving trees” and teaching her kids the importance of giving to those less fortunate, especially the Pawtucket Soup Kitchen. Her door was always open to anyone who needed a place to stay, a meal or a listening ear. If she heard someone didn’t have a place to go for the holidays, she set another place at her table for them.

Patty loved being at the beach in Rhode Island or by the pool in Jupiter, FL. She was a frequent concertgoer, especially Bruce Springsteen, or whomever one of her nieces and nephews wanted to see. She was a friend of Bill W. for 40 years.

Above all, Patty loved children. When her kids left home, she started watching three of her nieces and nephews overnight every other Friday, which grew to over 12 kids, including great nieces and nephews. The highlight of their year was the annual trips to Block Island, which they did for nearly 20 years.

She is survived by her faithful and steadfast husband, Patrick J. McKenna. Besides her husband, she leaves three children, Patrick J. McKenna, Jr. and his wife Ashley of Charlestown, Lacy Perry and her husband James of Washington, D.C. and D. Justin Smith and his wife Kayla of Lincoln; three brothers — Stephen R. Lemois and his wife Sharon of Texas; Bruce Lemois and his wife Maria of Cumberland; and Daniel Lemois of Florida.

Her greatest joy was becoming a Gigi to her five grandchildren: Julia and Jonathan Perry; Rose McKenna; and Jacob and Maya Smith.

She was predeceased by her daughter, Heather Smith, and son, Justin D. Smith, and her granddaughter, Layla Smith.

She was so loved.

Patty’s visitation for family and friends will be held on Sunday, December 22, 2024 from 3:00pm to 7:00pm. in the Perry-McStay Funeral Home, 2555 Pawtucket Avenue, East Providence. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, December 23, 2024 at 10:00am in St. Margaret Church, 1098 Pawtucket Avenue, Rumford. Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of fowers, contributions in Patty's memory may be made to St. Mary Academy-Bay View, 3070 Pawtucket Avenue, Riverside, Rhode Island 02915.

With deepest sympathy, we want to inform you that Colin J. Cash Sr. passed away Sunday, October 27, 2024.

Atlantic Equipment was founded by Colin Cash, Sr. in 1970 and has been a member of NERCA since 1982. You can read his obituary below:

Colin J. Cash, a cherished member of the Winthrop community, passed away on October 27, 2024, at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. He was born in Medford to the late Kathleen (Hurley) and Daniel Cash, and he spent his life in Winthrop, a town he held dear to his heart.

Colin graduated from Winthrop High School in 1959 before bravely enlisting in the Navy, where he proudly served until his honorable discharge. Following his service, Colin established Atlantic Equipment in Revere, where he contributed to the local business community.

His dedication extended beyond work, as evidenced by his active involvement in the Knights of Columbus and his lifelong membership in the Winthrop Yacht Club. Colin found joy in simple pleasures, such as baseball games and bird watching, as well as the tranquility of living by the ocean.

A true equestrian, Colin shared his passion with his daughter and was a valued member of the American Horse Show Association. His love for horses reflected his gentle and caring nature.

Colin J. Cash will be remembered for his kindness, his commitment to his community and his unwavering love for his family. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, integrity and a deep appreciation for the beauty of life. May he sail on peaceful seas and rest in eternal serenity.

He was the devoted husband of Jeanne C. (Hines) and the loving father of Jeanine Cash and her fiance Eric Rapchuck and Colin Cash and his wife Margaret. Dear brother of Peggy Riley and her husband Leonard and the late Tom, Danny, Buddy and Eddie Cash. Cherished grandfather of Courtney, Ethan, Aidan, Nicholas, Gabby and Isabella.

Family and friends are cordially invited to attend the visitation from the funeral home on Friday, November 1, 2024 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. The funeral will be conducted from the funeral home on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 9:00 AM followed by a funeral mass in St. John the Evangelist Church 320 Winthrop St., Winthrop at 10:00 AM. Services will conclude with the interment in the Belle Isle section of Winthrop Cemetery.

To participate in the tribute wall to Colin, send flowers to his family or plant a tree in his memory, visit www.caggianofuneralhome.com/obituary/Colin-Cash.

By North East Roofing Educational Foundation.

The Trustees are very proud to be able to award 14 scholarships this year!

On June 8, 2024, the NEREF Trustees met to approve the recipients of the Annual NEREF Scholarships. The Trustees are pleased to announce that this year they awarded 14 scholarships in the amount of $3,000.00 each to the following recipients:

• The recipient of the Robert W. Therrien Sr., Scholarship is Malia Lucas of Landisburg, Pennsylvania. Malia will be entering her sophomore year at Bloomsburg University in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania.
• The recipient of the Robert W. and Beverly G. Therrien Sr. Scholarship is Victor Canavan of Chicopee, Massachusetts. Victor will be entering his junior year at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts.
• The recipient of the 25th Robert F. and Marion R. Shea Jr., Memorial Scholarship is Zachary Canavan of Chicopee, Massachusetts. Zachary will be entering his sophomore year at UMass Amherst in Amherst, Massachusetts.
• The recipient of the 23rd James A. McBrady Sr. Memorial Scholarship is Meaghan Yale of Middlebury, Connecticut. Meaghan will be entering her senior year at the University of New Hampshire in Durham, New Hampshire.
• The recipient of the 22nd Elevate Scholarship is Noah Santos of North Kingstown, Rhode Island. Noah will be entering his sophomore year at Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts.
• The recipient of the 21st Logie Family Trust Scholarship is Kalista Zavras of Worcester, Massachusetts. Kalista will be entering her freshman year at Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York.
• The recipient of the 20th North/East Roofing Contractors Association (NERCA) Scholarship is Kara Francis of Suffield, Connecticut. Kara will be entering her sophomore year at Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts.
• The recipient of the 18th Eastern Architectural Representatives Scholarship is Anthony DeMarco of Bethel, Connecticut. Anthony will be entering his senior year at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, Massachusetts.
• The recipient of the 14th Lincoln R. McKie Memorial Scholarship is Meridith Madden of Canton, Massachusetts. Meredith will be entering her senior year at the University of Delaware in Newark, Delaware.
• The recipient of the 12th Thomas S. Gunning Scholarship is Karissa Doerr of Blandon, Pennsylvania. Karissa will be entering her sophomore year at the University of Mount Olive in Mount Olive, North Carolina.
• The recipient of the 10th James McAdam Scholarship is Jessica Coyt of Waterbury, Connecticut. Jessica will be entering her sophomore year at Boston University in Boston, Massachusetts.
• The recipient of the 6th North East Roofing Educational Foundation (NEREF) is Jocelyn Doerr of Blandon, Pennsylvania. Jocelyn will be entering her sophomore year at the University of Mount Olive in Mount Olive, North Carolina.
• The recipient of the 5th Angelo A. Gentile Sr. Scholarship is Karena Kuehl of Rutland, Vermont. Karena will be entering her freshman year at the University of Vermont in Burlington, Vermont.
• The recipient of the 5th Richard N. Jenkins Family Trust Scholarship is Andrew Madden of Canton, Massachusetts. Andrew will be entering his sophomore year at the University of New Hampshire in Durham, New Hampshire.

These scolarships would not be possible if it wasn't for your continued donations. If you would like to donate to the Foundation, please visit the NERCA website!

By Jonny Suchor. 

Join the 2024 roofing golf tournament circuit to meet the industry and make a difference! 

Get ready to tee off for a good cause! 2024 is shaping up to be exciting for golf enthusiasts within the roofing and construction industries, thanks to a host of spectacular golf tournaments sponsored by leading organizations and businesses.  

Among the notable sponsors, A.C.T Metal Deck Supply is swinging into action, supporting events that promise fun and networking and contribute significantly to educational and charitable causes.

The Georgia Roofing Contractors Association (GARCA) is set to host their 15th Annual Golf Tournament, an event dedicated to bolstering the GARCA Scholarship Program. Thanks to generous member and sponsor contributions, the program has historically awarded an average of $24,000 in scholarships annually to members' qualifying students. This year, with continued support from industry partners like A.C.T Metal Deck Supply, GARCA is aiming to top those numbers. 

Moving to the Carolinas, the Carolina Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (CRSMCA) will celebrate its 7th Annual Golf Tournament. A.C.T Metal Deck Supply will be a proud hole sponsor, demonstrating its commitment to the industry.  

The North East Roofing Contractors Association (NERCA) invites participants to the serene greens of Pawtucket Country Club for their annual Summertime Golf Outing. There’s no better way to unwind than a day on the course. 

As these tournaments unfold across various states, they offer a day of relaxation and friendly competition and serve as crucial networking and fundraising events, supported by A.C.T Metal Deck Supply’s commitment to the roofing community. So, grab your clubs and join in the fun! 

Hit the greens at an upcoming golf tournament to connect with roofing professionals from all corners of the roofing industry! 

By Anna Lockhart. 

This year’s event has a ton of exciting events in store for attendees that you won’t want to miss! 

North / East Roofing Contractors Association (NERCA) is getting ready to host their annual convention and trade show this month! From March 12 – 14, 2024, at the Encore Boston Harbor in Everett, Massachusetts, NERCA members and roofing professionals from across the Northeastern United States are invited to join in on the fun and exciting trade show taking place! 

This year’s convention and trade show will be sponsored by respected industry brands A.C.T. Metal Deck Supply, Beacon Building Products, Elevate and MRCA, among others! Designed to provide networking and growth opportunities for professionals across the roofing industry, this convention will provide participants with the chance to see the latest and greatest coming out of the industry this year!  

The trade show floor will be open March 13 from 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. and March 14 from 11:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. The Coffee Shop crew will be at booth #503, make sure you come say hi and get some fun swag. 

Here’s what we are most looking forward to at the show:  

Empowering Roofers for the Future: Solar-Ready Roof Installation 

This special educational session on March 12 will be hosted by Greta Bajrami, CEO & founder of Golden Group Roofing, and will center around the steadily increasing interest in sustainable energy and how this impacts the roofing industry. Solar is on the rise; do you have what it takes to meet the increasing demand? Join Greta as she walks participants through the process of equipping homes and buildings with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and how to gain the skills needed to successfully navigate this steadily changing market of the future.  

Empowering Women in Roofing: Allies and Advocates Discussion 

Join the National Women in Roofing (NWiR) on March 13 for a special round table discussion about the importance of advocacy and allyship in the roofing industry. They will discuss the ways in which allies can be created and boosted within the industry and how businesses and roofing professionals can implement change in their day-to-day activities and interactions. Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss with panelists the importance of making change and how to do so on their own!  

Using Contract Provisions to Enhance Safety and Reduce Personal Injury and Property Damage Claims 

Led by Stephen Phillips Esq., this special seminar on March 13 will highlight the importance of job site safety and how contractors can take better care of their crews on the job. Keeping the dangers of personal injury, property damage and other risk factors that crews can face out in the field is incredibly important for business owners, and learning how to navigate these liabilities and lower the risks can be a tremendous benefit. Join Stephen as he breaks down his top recommendations to maximizing rooftop safety, navigating OSHA standards and how to implement lifesaving practices into daily practice.  

OSHA 10 Hour Training Course in English & Spanish 

Check out this two-day training course from March 13 –14 which will walk participants through a series of OSHA standards and best practices. This training course will equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate a jobsite safely and with the proper knowledge of handling hazards with care. During the training sessions, instructors will go over skills such as hazard identification, avoidance, control and prevention. Upon completion, participants will receive their OSHA 10 Hour Certification Card from the Department of Labor. 

From the Welcome Reception on March 12 to the Latinos in Roofing Reception March 13 and all the educational sessions and networking opportunities, you won’t want to miss this NERCA Convention and Trade Show. We’ll see you there! 

Learn more about the NERCA 96th Annual Roofing Convention and Trade Show! 

Learn about new updates to the online wind-load calculator specifically designed for roofing professionals.

NRCA has announced updates to Roof Wind Designer, an online wind-load calculator intended to offer roofing professionals an easy way to determine roof systems’ design wind loads for many commonly encountered building types subject to code compliance.

The free web-based application has been updated to include the capability to generate reports on wind uplift pressures based on the newest version of ASCE 7, ASCE 7-22, “Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures.” Users will be able to view calculations for a wider range of building sizes and configurations, including partially enclosed and partially open buildings at basic wind speeds as granular as 1 mph increments.

Additionally, ASCE 7-16- and ASCE 7-22-based reports now include design wind-resistence capacities for gutters based on ANSI/SPRI GT-1’s G-1 and G-2 test methods.

Roof Wind Designer initially was developed with support from the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association and North/East Roofing Contractors Association. For more information, visit roofwinddesigner.nrca.net.

About National Roofing Contractors Association

Since 1886, the National Roofing Contractors Association has been the home for generations of entrepreneurial craftsmen and enterprises who shelter and protect America’s families and businesses and each other. Our vision is the recognition of our members as professionals and to unite the industry to that purpose. NRCA is one of the construction industry’s most respected trade associations and the voice of roofing professionals and leading authority in the roofing industry for information, education, technology and advocacy. It represents all segments of the roofing industry, including contractors; manufacturers; distributors; architects; consultants; engineers; building owners; and city, state and government agencies. For information about NRCA and its services and offerings, visit nrca.net.

By Yvette Cruz. 

Work smarter not harder with CIDAN’s machinery.  

Heidi J. Ellsworth meets up with Ryan King from CIDAN in this interview at the North East Roofing Contractor Association (NERCA) 2023 tradeshow. Bringing the viewers at home a taste of this convention, Heidi talks with Ryan about machinery and the automation to make tasks easier to accomplish for contractors.  

CIDAN Machinery Group is known for their ability to fabricate metal roofing sheets and has been around for over a century. Being back at a public event since COVID-19, Ryan acknowledges that the labor shortage is still something that everyone struggles with not just nationally but globally. “We’re noticing in the industry [that] automation is everything because the labor force is still tough. Being able to have your sheet metal and making your team  more efficient, without having them work harder is key. That's the biggest thing we've seen in the last several years really, is that automation, that streamlined efficiency that they can now do on their own, in their own shops is really key.” 

Unfortunately, there weren’t any machines at the NERCA show, but they did bring footage of what their machines can do and offer. Ryan mentions that they will bring their machines to IRE (International Roofing Exp) later in 2023, for firsthand experiences.  

Seeing the labor force shrink over the years, automations are truly the future of the industry and pathways to new technologies. Especially when it comes to efficiency in the field. Contractors need to be able to keep a smooth and steady workflow, and being deprived of labor can cause a lot of delays and unnecessary stress. 

Learn more about CIDAN Machinery in their Coffee Shop Directory or visit www.cidanmachinery.com. 

About Yvette 

Yvette Cruz is a writer for RoofersCoffeeShop, MetalCoffeeShop and AskARoofer. She is also a dedicated background actor for various film projects. Besides work, she spends her time with her family, reading and cooking.

By Anna Lockhart. 

The new FlashCo PVDF edge materials are changing the game.  

This February, Heidi J. Ellsworth spoke with Phil Gatti and Chris Lingrosso from FlashCo at the North Eastern Roofing Contractors Association event to discuss the latest products their company has to offer. They were excited to share the latest advancements in their product line and what the future has in store for their company.  

FlashCo is a manufacturing company that specializes in making quality roof flashings and is one of the largest roofing product producers in the country. FlashCo is a reliable source for prefabricated materials that are commonly used in roofing projects by contractors.   

Chris and Phil shared some insights about their latest product, the PVDF edge metal system, and what sets it apart from the rest. This product comes in more than twenty different colors and is made to order using Kynar 500® or Hylar 5000® resins. The product also includes specific features to choose from such as gravel stop, drip edge and flat or sloped coping for maximum quality and durability to withstand harsh weather and conditions. 

They discussed what a major difference their products make for contractors using their materials, to which Phil responded “These products, they can really take a roofer to the next level. If you're good with a welder, you can utilize these products and you can turn a regular roofer into a rockstar.”  

Watch the full interview with Phil and Chris below: 

Learn more about FlashCo in their Coffee Shop Directory or visit www.flashco.com. 

About Anna 

Anna Lockhart is a content administrator/writer for RoofersCoffeeShop®, MetalCoffeeShop™ and AskARoofer. When she’s not working, she’s most likely to be found with her nose in a book or attempting to master a new cookie recipe.

By Alec Doniger. 

The high energy at NERCA prompts a fun encounter with A.C.T. Metal Deck Supply. 

The Connecticut NERCA show was buzzing with a lively atmosphere this year. On the show floor, the RCS crew couldn’t help but run into two familiar faces – Michael Polizzi and Carm Termini. They both shared a jovial conversation with Heidi J. Ellsworth and Karen Edwards about the event and the recent activity of their company, A.C.T. Metal Deck Supply. 

“It’s exciting to have people around and be [at an] event where people are showing up and everybody’s upbeat,” comments Michael. NERCA was certainly the place to be for roofing professionals. Fortunately, this conversation gives us a “little taste” of what the show was like, in addition to a glimpse into the services A.C.T. offers. 

“We provide metal decks for the roofers only in re-roofing, not in new construction. So, usually when a roofing contractor realizes that the deck underneath the roof needs to be replaced... we remind them that we have inventory in 11 states and we can have it to their job with one phone number anywhere they're at, same day or the next day,” Michael shares.  

The high demand in the metal industry is certainly keeping A.C.T. busy. “We've been in Chicago, we've been in the Carolinas, we've been here at NERCA, we're going to Oklahoma, we're going to ABC Supply, we're going to Florida, we're going to Midwest Roofing Contracting Association, Texas... IRE...” Going all over the country and introducing their services to a diverse audience is just what their company needs. 

Watch the full video for more insight from A.C.T. Metal Deck Supply. 

Learn more about A.C.T. Metal Deck Supply in their MetalCoffeeShop® directory or visit metaldecksupply.com. 

About Alec 

Alec is a reporter for RoofersCoffeeShop, MetalCoffeeShop and AskARoofer. When he isn’t investigating the state of the roofing industry, you might find him playing drums with his bands in Denver.

By Alec Doniger. 

The high energy at NERCA prompts a fun encounter with A.C.T. Metal Deck Supply. 

The Connecticut NERCA show was buzzing with a lively atmosphere this year. On the show floor, the RCS crew couldn’t help but run into two familiar faces – Michael Polizzi and Carm Termini. They both shared a jovial conversation with Heidi J. Ellsworth and Karen Edwards about the event and the recent activity of their company, A.C.T. Metal Deck Supply. 

“It’s exciting to have people around and be [at an] event where people are showing up and everybody’s upbeat,” comments Michael. NERCA was certainly the place to be for roofing professionals. Fortunately, this conversation gives us a “little taste” of what the show was like, in addition to a glimpse into the services A.C.T. offers. 

“We provide metal decks for the roofers only in re-roofing, not in new construction. So, usually when a roofing contractor realizes that the deck underneath the roof needs to be replaced... we remind them that we have inventory in 11 states and we can have it to their job with one phone number anywhere they're at, same day or the next day,” Michael shares.  

The high demand in the metal industry is certainly keeping A.C.T. busy. “We've been in Chicago, we've been in the Carolinas, we've been here at NERCA, we're going to Oklahoma, we're going to ABC Supply, we're going to Florida, we're going to Midwest Roofing Contracting Association, Texas... IRE...” Going all over the country and introducing their services to a diverse audience is just what their company needs. 

Watch the full video for more insight from A.C.T. Metal Deck Supply. 

Learn more about A.C.T. Metal Deck Supply in their MetalCoffeeShop® directory or visit metaldecksupply.com. 

About Alec 

Alec is a reporter for RoofersCoffeeShop, MetalCoffeeShop and AskARoofer. When he isn’t investigating the state of the roofing industry, you might find him playing drums with his bands in Denver.