Richard “Rich” H. Nettleton, P.E., M.ASCE, a design and construction manager for the Virginia Beach Department of Public Utilities who oversaw expansion and maintenance of the city’s underground water and sewer network, died May 31. He was 65.
Nettleton joined ASCE in 1988 and remained an active member of the Virginia Section’s Norfolk Branch. He also belonged to ASCE’s Environmental and Water Resources Institute. He was extremely active in the Virginia Society of Professional Engineers, the state chapter of the National Society of Professional Engineers, and had been VSPE’s president in 2010.
“The VSPE Board of Directors and membership mourn the loss of an inspirational leader, friend and kind advocate of public service,” the NSPE state chapter said in a statement. “He is remembered by his friends and colleagues as a thoughtful, intelligent participant who always listened respectfully and exhibited wisdom and steadfast leadership. Rich was one of a kind, and he will be sorely missed by his family, friends, and the public who benefited from his tireless efforts as a Professional Engineer to protect life, health and safety.”
Nettleton served on the Hampton Roads District Planning Commission as chairman of its regional construction standards committee, helping contractors work in the region by standardizing specifications and construction requirements.
Nettleton graduated from Old Dominion University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1994.
ASCE President Robin Kemper, speaking for the Society, expressed sympathies to the Virginia Beach community over the tragedy that took place May 31. Read the statement.
