SALEM - Mr. Richard J. Buchanan Sr., 84 of Salem, a prominent Salem Businessman, died Tuesday, January 1st, 2019 at the Lafayette Nursing Home in Marblehead following a battle with Parkinson's Disease. Born in Lynn, he was the son of the late John A. and Etta (Fitzgerald) Buchanan. He was raised and educated in Lynn. Richard defended his country as a member of the United States Army National Guard. Mr. Buchanan began his professional career as a trained Stone Mason and founded his own private Masonry Company. He specialized in walkways and stone patios and was known for his expertise and attention to detail. He completed many of the stone masonry project throughout the city of Salem, including the wishing well at the House of Seven Gables. Richard was an avid coin collector throughout his life and turned his hobby of collecting coins into a successful business when he founded and opened R.J. Coins on Washington St., in Salem, which later became R.J. Coins & Jewelry on Wharf Street in Salem. He retired at the age of 82. His keen eye and coin acumen was legendary. He took great pride in his work. A longtime resident of the City of Salem, Richard was an avid runner and member of the North Shore Striders. As a top amateur runner in the state of Massachusetts, he won many local and state events and races and completed the Boston Marathon on multiple occasions. He enjoyed the personal challenge of running and the comradery and friendship it brought. Richard is survived by his daughter, Vicki Buchanan of Marblehead, his sons, Richard J. Buchanan Jr. of Salem, Richard W. Buchanan of Peabody, David Buchanan of Peabody and Michael Buchanan of Buzzards Bay, his longtime companion, Gail Sullivan of Salem, his sisters, Marjorie Buchanan of Dallas, TX and Beverly Beane of Tewksbury, his brother, Larry Buchanan of Sandersville, GA and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was the father of the late Audrey Hahn and brother of the late Eleanor Dobbins and John "Sonny" Buchanan.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to visiting hours in The O'Donnell Funeral Home, 46 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) Salem, Sunday, Jan. 6th from 2 to 5 P.M. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Richard's memory to the Plummer Youth Promise, 37 Winter Island Rd., Salem, MA 01970. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com