Net Worth: $1.42 billion, up 13.6 percent

LAST YEAR: $1.25 billion

AGE: 89

RESIDENCE: Pasadena

SOURCE OF WEALTH: Homebuilding, civil construction, real estate

THE MONEY: Chairman of J.F. Shea Co. saw solid growth in homebuilding industry and across 5.2 million-square-foot portfolio of office, industrial, and retail properties in California and Colorado.

THE BUZZ: Development activity at Shea Homes, nation’s largest privately held homebuilder, continued over last year, including construction on new Phoenix communities and projects in Orange County, Monterey Bay, and Colorado. Shea turned over day-to-day duties at parent company he co-founded, J.F. Shea Co., in 2005. Heir apparent Peter O. Shea Jr. is chief executive. holding company, which controls eight businesses, was founded by his grandfather in 1881 in Portland, Ore., and is now headquartered in Walnut. Construction unit of company built foundations for Golden Gate Bridge, managed construction of Hoover Dam, and recently broke ground on Crenshaw-LAX light-rail line extension. Lives in Pasadena with wife, Dorothy. Couple’s philanthropy aimed at Catholic charities and institutions, including Loyola Marymount University; Shea recognized as Knight of Malta and received Cardinal’s Award from Cardinal Roger M. Mahony.