Former Rockland Town Supervisor Lee Siegel has passed away at age 95. Jackson Wang spoke with family and friends, who say Siegel was more than just a town supervisor.
LIVINGSTON MANOR, N.Y. -- If there was a community event going on in the town of Rockland, you certainly expected to find Lee Siegel in attendance.
“Very active with the rotary youth programs, the ice carnival, the fundraising dinners they would do,” said Gary Siegel, Lee's son.
Taking a break or relaxing was never in Lee's plan.
“He was always the life of the party, always the last one standing, and liked to have fun,” said Georgia Siegel, Lee's granddaughter.
For 10 years, Lee served as town supervisor.
During that time, he was also on the Sullivan County Board of Supervisors, where he promoted business development and projects in the region.
“He always try to do what was best for the community and the people of the community,” Gary said.
Lee was also part of many other local organizations, including the Livingston Manor Central School Board and the Livington Manor Rotary.
“He was always doing charity work, fundraisers, and makes you want to be like him,” Georgia said.
Loved ones say Lee loved music, taking part in Callicoon Center Band, and a big advocate for local art programs too.
“Lee was a fixture in town. He was at almost every exhibit opening, every performance we had,” said Catskill Art Society Executive Director Bradley Diuguid.
With so much accomplished, Lee's son says two of them standout the most -- bring a recycling center to Rockland and saving the Livingston Manor Covered Bridge.
“He was very, very adamant that he wanted to restore it and got the funds through grants,” Gary Siegel said.
Services for Lee Siegel will take place Sunday at Congregation Agudas Achim in Livingston Manor.