39. John Shea

NET WORTH: $1.9 billion
AGE: 93
RESIDENCE: Pasadena
SOURCE OF WEALTH: Homebuilding, real estate
LAST YEAR: $1.9 billion
CHANGE: 0%

THE MONEY: Shea is the former chairman of J.F. Shea Co. Inc., which manages an extensive homebuilding, construction and real estate empire. Businesses in the Shea portfolios include Shea Homes, the largest private homebuilder in the country. Shea Properties owns and operates nearly 9,000 apartment units and 4.2 million square feet of office, industrial and retail space in California, Colorado and Washington. Other businesses in the Shea portfolio include J.F. Shea Construction Inc., Shea Mortgage Inc. and BlueStar Resort & Golf.

THE BUZZ: In 2005, Shea’s cousin, Peter Shea Jr., took over duties as chief executive of the parent company. Shea’s grandfather co-founded the company in Portland, Ore., in 1881, and over the years it has been involved in several renowned infrastructure projects, including the Golden Gate Bridge and Hoover Dam. John Shea and his wife, Dorothy, donate to a handful of Catholic charities, including Loyola Marymount University.

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