FLAGLER/PALM COAST NEWS-TRIBUNE
Bunnell, Florida
Wednesday, February 11, 2004
PALM COAST MAN HELPED IMPROVE SENIORS’ LIVES
By Millie Lapidario, Staff Writer
PALM COAST - David Siegel, whose work with Senior Services led to name the building after him, died Friday at Florida Hospital-Flagler. He was 94.
'Known for his dedication to public service in Flagler County since the 1970s; Siegel strived to improve the lives of senior citizens by providing meals, public transportation, spiritual guidance and simply keeping them from isolation.
His name adorns the Flagler County Senior Service complex, where many of his efforts to improve senior services materialized.
"He's been a catalyst to make Flagler County and Palm Coast really what it is today in terms of service programs," said Steven Jones, executive director of FlaglerCounty Senior Services.
As chairman of the building committee for the Flagler County Council on Aging, Siegel was responsible for acquiring the Belle Terre Boulevard property where the senior facility sits along with its transportation services.
In 2000, he was honored as chairman emeritus for life after serving on the board of directors for more than 20 years.
"I don't think David ever knew how to take the word 'no,' " said Jones, referring to Siegel's persistence. "There was always, 'There must be a way to do it.' "
That persistence also seemed to drive his inquisitive mind in exploring Judaism. For about 25 years until he reached age 92, Siegel conducted private Bible classes on the Old Testament every other week with members from the Temple Beth Shalom.
Siegel had been one of the original members of the temple. Although he believed in traditional Judaic values, he "was not somebody who accepted the things as dictated," said Martin Schulberg, co-president of the temple. "Because of his open-mindedness and his desire to discuss things," Sehulberg said, “he was able to involve people and make them see more than just the written word.”
Bur Siegel’s commitment to serving the community wasn’t limited to his life in Flagler County. When World War II broke out, Siegel had been working as an exchange teacher in England. He then moved to Canada to enlist in the Royal Canadian Air Force. After the war, he worked for the Canadian Jewish Congress, helping about 1,000 Jewish refugees to enter Canada, his son Daniel Siegel said.
As a Jew, he had experienced anti-Semitism, Daniel said.
''He had seen the wrongs of the world," Jones said. "He wanted a better world."
Siegel was active in numerous local organizations, including the Meals Task Force, Palm Coast Civic Association, Citizens for a Better Government, the Palm Coast Service District Advisory Council and the Humane Society.
On Siegel's 90th birthday, the County Commission issued a proclamation naming that day for him.
He is survived by his wife Jeanne, children Daniel and Esther Siegel, Neil and Karen Ram, older sister Gittel Labovitz, younger brother Avrum Siegel, and six grandchildren.
