David Siegel - A Legacy Remembered

David Siegel, the person who started Westgate Resorts, a very large enterprise, recently passed away at the age of 89. This information came from his company just the other day, marking a significant moment for those who knew his work and his story. It was, you know, a quiet announcement about a very public figure.

He was a figure many recognized, not just for his accomplishments in the world of business, but also because he was married to the individual known as the "Queen of Versailles" star. People saw him, too, in that 2012 film which brought his family's experiences to a wider audience, so his face became quite familiar.

His departure marks a time for reflection for many who followed his life, from his business achievements to his personal journey, which, in some respects, had its own public moments. It's almost as if a chapter closed, leaving behind a remarkable story of building something truly big.

The Life of David Siegel
Personal Details and Bio Data of David Siegel
What Was David Siegel's Business Creation?
How Did David Siegel Build His Company?
David Siegel and the "Queen of Versailles" Connection
Who Was David Siegel's Family?
When Did David Siegel Pass Away?
Remembering David Siegel's Final Days

The Life of David Siegel

David Siegel was a person who lived a long and impactful life, spanning nearly nine decades. Born on May 3, 1935, his story is one that began in the mid-1930s, a time quite different from our own. He saw many changes over the years, and in a way, he helped shape some of them himself, particularly in the hospitality business. His path from birth to becoming a significant figure is a story worth looking at, really.

His passing, which his company shared, came at the age of 89, indicating a life lived to a considerable length. A person who reaches such an age has typically seen a great deal and experienced many different things, both personally and professionally. It's almost hard to imagine all the shifts and turns he must have witnessed during his time, from the very start of his life to its very end. This long period of time allowed him to create something truly lasting, as a matter of fact.

The announcement of his departure on April 5, 2025, brought to light the conclusion of his earthly presence. For someone who had built such a prominent business, his life was certainly full of notable moments and decisions. His journey, as many might describe it, was one of constant building and expanding, a testament to his drive and vision. He was, in short, a person who made things happen.

Personal Details and Bio Data of David Siegel

Here are some personal details about David Siegel, offering a quick look at some key facts about his life.

Detail	Information
Full Name	David Alan Siegel
Date of Birth	May 3, 1935
Age at Passing	89 years old
Date of Passing	April 5, 2025
Spouse	Jackie Siegel (known as "Queen of Versailles" star)
Notable Affiliation	Founder and Executive Chairman of Westgate Resorts
Documentary Feature	'The Queen of Versailles' (2012)
Cause of Passing	Following a journey with cancer

These facts give us a snapshot of the person David Siegel was, covering some of the most important parts of his public and personal story. They help to paint a picture of his time here, you know, the main points that people often remember about someone who has lived a life like his. It's just a way to put things into perspective, really.

What Was David Siegel's Business Creation?

David Siegel is most widely recognized for starting Westgate Resorts, which grew into a very significant company in the timeshare business. This enterprise, which he founded, became a truly global operation, a billion-dollar entity that had its beginnings in a rather humble setting. It's a story of growth that many find quite remarkable, you know, going from something small to something truly massive.

His vision for Westgate Resorts began in 1982. At that time, it was just a tiny orange grove located in Kissimmee, Florida. From such a modest start, he managed to build what many would call a timeshare empire. This suggests a great deal of hard work and foresight, considering the scale it reached. It's almost unbelievable, in a way, how much it expanded from that initial piece of land.

The company, under his guidance, transformed from those small beginnings into a business that was worth a billion dollars. This kind of expansion speaks volumes about the person at its head. It wasn't just about selling vacation properties; it was about creating a large-scale system that served many people, which, you know, takes a certain kind of skill and dedication. He was, quite simply, a builder of businesses.

How Did David Siegel Build His Company?

Building Westgate Resorts into a timeshare giant was a process that involved many steps and a clear direction from David Siegel. He started this enterprise in 1982, taking what was, in essence, a small piece of land with orange trees in Kissimmee, and turning it into something far grander. This early beginning shows his willingness to start from the ground up, literally. It's almost like he saw the potential where others might not have, really.

From that initial spot, David Siegel worked to create a timeshare business that would eventually become a major player on the global stage. The idea of taking a simple concept and expanding it to such a degree requires a great deal of perseverance and a knack for seeing opportunities. He managed to grow this company into a billion-dollar operation, which is, you know, a very impressive achievement for anyone in business. It suggests a strong hand at the helm, guiding its development.

The growth of Westgate Resorts under David Siegel's leadership speaks to his ability to manage and expand a large-scale operation. He didn't just start a business; he built an entire system for vacation ownership, establishing a widespread presence. This kind of building effort typically involves a lot of careful planning and a deep understanding of the market, which he clearly possessed. He was, in short, very good at what he did, apparently.

David Siegel and the "Queen of Versailles" Connection

David Siegel gained a different kind of public recognition through his connection to the "Queen of Versailles" documentary. This film, released in 2012, put a spotlight on his family's life, particularly focusing on his wife, Jackie Siegel, who became widely known from it. It's almost as if this documentary offered a peek behind the curtain of their rather grand lifestyle, which, you know, captivated many viewers.

He appeared alongside his wife in this documentary, giving people a chance to see him in a more personal light, away from just his business dealings. The film explored their efforts to build a very large home, which was, in a way, a reflection of their aspirations and their journey. This public exposure meant that David Siegel was recognized by a broader audience than just those in the timeshare business, which is quite interesting.

The documentary helped to shape public perception of David Siegel and his family, showing aspects of their lives that were both aspirational and, at times, challenging. It presented a different side of the business leader, offering insights into his personal world and the dynamics within his family. It was, in some respects, a very open look at their experiences, allowing people to feel a connection to their story.

Who Was David Siegel's Family?

David Siegel was married to Jackie Siegel, the individual who became quite well-known as the "Queen of Versailles" star. Their relationship was, in a way, central to the documentary that brought them both into the public eye. She was a significant part of his life, and her presence was often noted alongside his own, particularly in the later years. It's almost as if they were a pair that many people recognized together, you know.

The film, 'The Queen of Versailles,' showed aspects of their shared life and their family's experiences. While the text doesn't go into details about other family members, it does highlight the central role Jackie played as his wife and co-star in that widely seen documentary. Their connection was, apparently, a very strong one, extending into both their personal world and their public appearances.

Jackie Siegel herself confirmed the news of David's passing through a post on Instagram. This act shows the personal nature of their bond and how she chose to share this sad information with the wider world. It’s a very modern way to communicate such personal news, and it underscores her role as a key member of David Siegel's family. She was, quite simply, the person closest to him, in many respects.

When Did David Siegel Pass Away?

David Siegel, the person who founded Westgate Resorts, passed away on April 5, 2025. This date marks the conclusion of his long and eventful life. His company, Westgate Resorts, made the sad announcement, letting people know of his departure. It was, you know, a moment that many had been expecting, given his age and health challenges.

The news was also shared in an email sent to employees of Westgate Resorts, confirming that he had passed away on a Saturday morning. This internal communication shows how important he was to the company he built. It's almost as if the company felt it needed to inform its own people directly, which is a very common practice for someone of his standing, really.

His passing at the age of 89 indicates a life that spanned many years and saw many changes. The fact that his company and family shared the news openly suggests that his life was one that touched many people, both personally and professionally. It was, in a way, the end of an era for the business he created and for those who knew him well.

Remembering David Siegel's Final Days

The last part of David Siegel's life, as shared by his family, was spent in the company of those closest to him. The Siegel family stated that he was surrounded by his loved ones during his final days. This suggests a peaceful and personal end to a life that had been very public in many ways. It's almost as if he chose to spend his last moments in a very private setting, which is quite understandable, really.

His journey with cancer was also mentioned as part of the context surrounding his passing. This indicates that he had been dealing with a serious health challenge for some time. Despite this, his last months were spent in a way that seems to have brought him comfort, being with his family. It's a very human detail to share, offering a glimpse into the personal struggles he faced.

Jackie Siegel, his wife, confirmed the news of his passing on Instagram, which, you know, is a public way to share a very personal loss. This action further highlights the family's desire to let people know about his departure while also acknowledging the private nature of his final moments. It's a way of saying goodbye that many people can relate to, in some respects.

This article has explored the life and passing of David Siegel, the person who founded Westgate Resorts. We looked at his biography, including his birth date and age at the time of his passing, and provided a table with his personal details. The discussion covered his significant business creation, Westgate Resorts, and how he built it from a small orange grove into a global timeshare company. We also touched upon his public connection to the "Queen of Versailles" documentary and his relationship with his wife, Jackie Siegel. Finally, the article addressed the date of his passing and details surrounding his final days.