Alvin Siegal, a Case Western Reserve alumnus and generous university supporter, died Tuesday at his home in Pepper Pike. He was 95.
A Cleveland native and graduate of the city’s John Adams High School, Siegal served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Upon his return, he attended what was then known as Cleveland College, earning a degree in accounting in 1949. After graduation, Siegal founded a home construction business with a close friend, and the two went on to build thousands of residences in the city’s near western suburbs. Not content to start and lead just one successful business, he launched a second company in 1960, this one in mortgage banking.
In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Siegal engaged actively in the community, serving on the boards of such organizations as Menorah Park, the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, and the Maltz Family Foundation. He also served as president of the Warrensville Center Synagogue, known today as the Oheb Zedek-Cedar Sinai Synagogue.
In the early 2000s, Siegal and his wife, Laura, contributed so generously to the Cleveland College of Jewish Studies that the Beachwood institution changed its name to the Laura and Alvin Siegal College of Judaic Studies. A decade later, the couple again extended support—this time to Case Western Reserve—to allow its adult education programs to continue.
“The Siegals’ commitment to lifelong learning has created exceptional opportunities for people throughout Northeast Ohio to expand their knowledge and deepen their understanding,” President Barbara R. Snyder said. “We extend our sincere sympathies to Laura and all of the other family and friends mourning Alvin’s passing, and hope they are able to take some comfort from the extraordinary legacy he has left to our community.”
The university’s Laura and Alvin Siegal Lifelong Learning program offers classroom courses, lectures and other events, and educational travel often featuring Case Western Reserve faculty. Programs take place on the main campus, the university farm and other locations within the region.
In addition to his wife, Laura, Siegal is survived by his two sons, four grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Services will take place at 12:30 p.m. this Friday, Sept. 28, at the Oheb Zedek-Cedar Sinai Synagogue (23749 Cedar Road in Lyndhurst). The family asks that those who wish to make a contribution in Alvin’s honor make their gifts to the Laura and Alvin Siegal Lifelong Learning program.