Jay A. Siegel, Ph.D. died at home in his sleep on September 25, 2017 in Mt. Arlington, New Jersey due to heart failure. He was 71.
Jay is survived by his wife Margaret Wilke of Mt. Arlington, NJ; his daughter Samantha Linehan and her husband Nick of Hackettstown, NJ, and son Paul Siegel of Brooklyn, NY; and his two grandsons Tommy and Ben Linehan of Hackettstown, NJ. He is also survived by his two sisters Judy Siegel of Gaithersburg, MD and Pam Douglas and her husband Ed of Las Vegas, NV.
Jay was born on April 16, 1946 in Washington D.C. to Samuel and Mae Siegel. He graduated from George Washington University with a doctorate degree in chemistry in 1975. He married Margaret Wilke in 1976. After working as a forensic chemist with the Virginia Bureau of Forensic Sciences, Jay spent over 35 years as a forensic science educator and researcher at Metropolitan State College in Denver, CO, Michigan State University (Professor Emeritus) in East Lansing, MI, and Indiana University Purdue University in Indianapolis, IN, where he also served as a department chair. Several forensic sciences undergraduate and graduate programs blossomed under his leadership. Jay was author and editor of several forensic science books and editor in chief of the massive Encyclopedia of Forensic Sciences. He was honored as a Distinguished Fellow of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and as a Distinguished Alumni Scholar at The George Washington University.
Jay was proud of his children and grandchildren, and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. For over 30 years, he annually gathered many friends for 5-day trips to the Shakespeare Festival in Stratford, Ontario, where he organized play tickets, lodging and meals, all through his in-name-only travel agency, Miracle Travel. These wonderful times together will be sorely missed by his friends, including his good-natured competitiveness when sitting down at a card table. Jay was outstanding in the classroom—both demanding and engaging. So memorable were his stories about his forensic science cases that after he retired, he was employed by cruise lines to do on-board lectures for the cruise guests on days at sea. They were very well attended, especially after the word spread: “You have to hear this guy!” He stayed connected with people across the globe through his world travels, especially his five trips with wife Maggie to visit friends and see Australia. He will be remembered as an excellent teacher, mentor, husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin, uncle and friend.
Friends and family are invited to attend a gathering to celebrate the life of Jay Siegel at the home of Nick and Samantha Linehan at 3:00 pm on Saturday, September 30, 2017. There will be a live feed of the memorial service for those who wish to participate from afar. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of your choice.
Condolences:
Marcella F. Fierro, MD
#9
October 7th, 2017 8:27 pm
I was worked with Jay on the NAS Committee and Report of 2009. I was a privilege to work with a gentleman scholar. My deepest sympathy to his family and close ones.
Barbara Llewellyn
#8
October 3rd, 2017 11:48 am
Jay you were a wonderful scientist, professor and person. You will be missed.
Allison Eastman
#7
October 3rd, 2017 10:56 am
I am so sad to hear about Professor Siegel's passing. I did not know him well but I did have the privilege of accompanying him on a FEPAC audit several years ago and I have not forgotten what a pleasure he was to work with - he was so knowledgeable, professional, and so kind! What a loss to the forensic community. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Daniel Gregonis
#6
October 3rd, 2017 10:15 am
Jay was my major professor at Metropolitan State College in Denver. Although separated by a few years we also share the same birthday, April 16th. I am grateful to be a small part of his extensive legacy that he has left through the students he taught and gave advice to as well as the work he performed for the various organizations he work for and with. It doesn't take long to find out how many people were taught by, worked with or knew Jay. My interactions with Jay were always positive. Beyond being a great teacher and mentor I will always consider him to be a friend and altogether nice guy.
Missy (Felton) Simons
#5
October 3rd, 2017 9:30 am
Dr. Siegel was my professor, mentor, and friend... I will always treasure my wonderful memories of him and keep him forever in my heart. He will forever be missed by all who were blessed to know him.
Doug DeGaetano
#4
October 3rd, 2017 9:16 am
So sorry to hear this news. Jay was certainly a guiding light in my life. My mentor at MSU and a good friend. I wish we could have gone on one more fishing trip for walleye on lake Erie. I never would have guessed when I walked into Jay's office at MSU in 1988 that I would eventually spend the majority of my forensic science career where Jay started his. Many folks here at the Virginia Department of Forensic Science remember him fondly. My condolences to his family.
Xhemajl ADEMAJ
#3
October 3rd, 2017 3:28 am
With deep sorrow I learned that the knowed professor Jay A. Siege, was separated from life. It was the person that I knew him for about 10 years since San Antonio's meeting, I have good memories with a good man, dedicated to the forensic science. His death is a loss for forensics all over the world, for his family and his friends. I would like to express my most sincere condolences to the family, friends, the Forensic Science Academy and colleagues in the criminal sector in AAFS .
Condolences;
Xhemajl Ademaj, ph.D.
Kosovo Agency for Forensic
Fellow of American Academy for Forensic Science.
Prof. Dr. Sevil Atasoy
#2
October 3rd, 2017 1:14 am
We are deeply saddened by the news of Professor Siegel passing. His contribution to forensic science will always be remembered by the Turkish forensic science community. Our thoughts and players are with him and his family.
Carla Noziglia
#1
October 2nd, 2017 8:03 pm
Jay, a true professional, learned scholar and dear friend. You are missed.
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