Melvyn Edward Siegel, 81, passed away peacefully on April 1st, 2019, surrounded by his devoted family. Mel was born in Richmond, Virginia on October 5th, 1937. He worked his way thru the University of Richmond alongside his father, Milton Siegel, at Finer Foods Sales. Upon graduation, he joined the family business. He continued his career in institutional food sales with Sandler Foods when he moved his family to Virginia Beach in 1979.
In retirement, he was the happiest either on the tennis court or sitting around the card table playing poker with his many friends. Mel’s commitment and dedication to Temple Israel led to the honor of serving as President of the congregation.
A diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease in 2008 led to new friendships and activism. He set an inspirational example thru hard work and participation in exercise classes and Rock Steady boxing. When Mel put on the boxing gloves, he transformed into a determined advocate and fighter for curing this disease.
His memory will be cherished by his wife of 54 years, Gloria Singer Siegel and his children, Valerie Diehl ( Rodney), Laura Siegel-Little ( Dustin) and Ron Siegel ( Renee); his grandchildren, who he was affectionally known as Pepaw, Hannah Diehl, Benjamin Diehl, Jade Siegel, Kai Siegel and Taven Siegel; sister Doris Baum of Richmond, Va and brother, Howard Siegel of Arlington, Va The family is forever indebted to Dr Rob Cajulis, for his exceptional medical care, and his devoted aides; Rodney Wilson, Roland Rich, Arkedra Reiss and Maggy Noel, who treated him with dignity and compassion. They also loved playing gin rummy with him for a nickel a game, but Mel, the card shark always won!
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 3rd at 2pm at Temple Israel , 7255 Granby Street, Norfolk, Virginia. Burial will immediately follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery. The family will greet friends and celebrate Mel’s life at 3100 Poplar Bend, Virginia Beach on, April 3rd from 7-9pm, April 4th and 7th 1-4pm and 7-9 pm.
Memorial donations may be made to the local Parkinson’s chapter.. APDA/Hampton Roads Chapter 4560 Princess Anne Rd Virginia Beach, Va 23462.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.altmeyerfh.com
Past Services
Service
Wednesday April 03, 2019
2:00 pm
Cemetery
Wednesday April 03, 2019
3:00 pm
I remember him coming all the way from Virginia to surprise me and my family. I never took advantage of those days and I live to regret those actions. Now I’ve learned to live to the fullest, hopefully he will forgive me for being such a bad grandchild.
Gloria,
We just heard of Mel’s passing ! Our hearts & understandings are with you & the family . Mel’s outlook and love for others will always be cherished. Joanie & Joe
Gloria, May you find comfort with family and friends. We miss you at Silver Sneakers class…you are the best.
Yesterday we were honored to have attended Mr.Siegel’s funeral at Temple Israel. We were very moved by the reflections of his friend of 57 years, his daughter, & the Rabbi.
What a kind, generous, thoughtful person Mr.Siegel was!
His love of family & friends was quite apparent in the shared comments.
How devoted he, family, & friends were to one another! Mr. Siegel was blest with what is important in life.
Hopefully his family can take comfort in knowing they were treasures to one another.
We just found out that Mel died. Our deepest sympathy. He was a wonderful guy and our heart goes out to Gloria and the family. Walter and Barbara Rabhan
We enjoyed Mel immensely at cape henry racquet club! What a trooper!! God bless you all love, Tom and Claudy Barnes
Dear Gloria,
My heartfelt condolences to you and family as grieve the loss of your beloved husband, Mel.
Tom Jones
Every time I hugged Mel, he saved me from falling over. His strength was shown and he was proud of being able to be the one to be counted on. RIP, good friend.