Real Estate Community Mourns Jeffrey J. Siegel

MILLBURN, NJ-The real estate community has suffered a great loss with the recent passing of Jeff Siegel. A man who always conducted himself with quiet dignity and a confident air, Siegel is best described by those who knew him as “a true gentleman.” As executive vice president at Murray Construction Co. Inc., Jeff spent 34 years helping the firm to thrive amid cyclical industry changes. As a real estate professional, he had the respect of both clients and colleagues. As a mentor, he always led by example. As a son, husband, father and grandfather, his family always came first. As a friend, he was always there with a smile, a story and a piece of advice.

Born and raised in New York City, Siegel came to Murray Construction in 1974 looking to make a change. He quickly became an integral part of the organization, and served on the boards of IOREBA and NAIOP. He was also on the advisory committees of several trade publications, where he was there to counsel, advise or lend his personal “spin.”

Siegel developed close relationships with business associates and clients and had the natural kind of charm that would win people over, according to Douglas Friedrich, president and COO at Murray Construction. “Jeff was the ultimate good guy,” says Friedrich. “His popularity was evident in the standing-room-only atmosphere at his memorial service. He has certainly left a void and we all miss him a great deal.”

An avid golfer, Siegel served as president of Hollywood Golf Club in Deal, NJ. He also participated in Pro-Ams across the country and was an active supporter of New Jersey Golf through the Metropolitan Golf Association.

But Siegel’s biggest passion was his family. He was a devoted son to his father, Martin, and loving husband to Debra, his wife of 15 years. His girls–daughters Jill and Alison and stepdaughters Ashleigh, Brette and Cortney–describe him as a “wonderful man to grow up with.” He is also survived by grandchildren Phoebe, Benjamin, Madeline and Charlotte.

Despite the hardship he endured in recent months, Siegel’s vibrant personality and true professionalism never left, according to Friedrich. “We want to assure the real estate community that we will continue to forge ahead with the same vigor, energy and passion that Jeff gave to this company as we move towards the future,” he says. “As we struggle to move on, Jeffrey J. Siegel will be greatly missed every day by those of us who were fortunate enough to know him.”