Richard Linden Nathan, Sr.

Richard Linden Nathan Sr., a New Jersey building contractor known for specializing in unique projects such as high tower construction and historical renovations before retiring to his ranch outside of Show Low, died unexpectedly Sunday in Mesa. He was 82.   Richard retired as President of RJL Contracting Inc., a corporation he founded in 1996.  His construction career spanned six decades and several countries. Beginning as a 14-year-old roofer’s helper in 1947, he went on to serve with the United States Army Corps of Engineers during the Korean War as a Demolition Specialist and later as a consultant and specialty builder.    He was born Dec. 21, 1933 in the Delaware River town of Bordentown, New Jersey to John Jacob Nathan, a Danish immigrant, and Helen Gray Nathan. His mother’s ancestors were early Delaware Valley settlers, revolutionary war patriots, and Civil War veterans. His father served in the U.S. Army at Fort Dix, New Jersey.   During the World War II years, young Richard lived with his grandparents Frank and Fanny Gray, while his older brother John Nathan joined the U.S. Navy at age 17. Richard credited his solid upbringing to his grandfather, holding and living the values learned from him his entire life. During this period he attended Trenton, New Jersey area schools.   Richard served in the United States Army as a Sergeant in the 7th Infantry Division and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during the Korean War. Later on, in 1961, he was recalled to duty by the Kennedy administration during the Berlin crisis, serving with an atomic demolition unit slated for European service. On July 27, 1995 he was invited to, and attended, the dedication of the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.   Richard married the love of his life, Joan Newman, Jan. 30, 1960 in Yardville, New Jersey, and were celebrating their 56th year of marriage and were inseparable. They had two children: Richard Jr. and Linda, both of Show Low.   His career was highlighted in many magazine and newspaper articles over the years as his work in restoring many revolutionary war-era historical structures gained prominence during America’s bicentennial celebration in 1976. His tower projects were always high-profile front page news.   Richard was an avid horseman and raised appaloosa and paint horses on his New Jersey farm and his ranch east of Show Low. He enjoyed reading American and military history and was a big fan of western movies and television shows. He was an excellent artist. He also enjoyed his animals and wildlife. His pride and joy was his family, and he was a remarkable husband and father.   He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law Carl and Jeannie Newman of Whiting, N.J., sisters-in-law Erma Nathan of Yardley, Pa., and Judy Newman of Solebury, Pa., and many nieces and nephews.   A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 26, at Owens Livingston Mortuary, 320 N. 9th St. in Show Low.