Westgate Resorts Founder David Siegel Dies at Age 89

The founder and CEO of Westgate Resorts, David Siegel, has passed away at the age of 89, leaving behind his wife, nine children, two step-children, and 12 grandchildren.

Westgate Announces the Death of CEO David Siegel

Siegel died on Saturday morning, April 5, surrounded by his family and friends, Westgate Resorts reported. The company’s CEO, Jim Gissy, stated in a press release that Siegel never forgot his humble beginning, recalling how Westgate was founded in a garage. Gissy also explained how Siegel dedicated himself to ensuring that the company remained true to its family roots.

Gissy also explained how Siegel dedicated himself to ensuring that the company remained true to its family roots. This was done in a manner that ensured the company’s original vision and unflatering commitment to bringing joy to the lives of those it served in the hospitality sector.

Westgate Las Vegas President Cami Christensen also had a few words to say about Siegel, saying she feels “profound sadness” in his passing. She explained that the Westgate founder was a leader, mentor, and friend to many of the company’s employees. Christensen also said that David’s passion for hospitality transformed Westgate Las Vegas into the iconic resort it is today.

Siegel’s wife, “Queen of Versailles” star Jackie Siegel, also wrote a few words about her late husband on Instagram. She said she was fortunate to share twenty-five wonderful years with David, and together they raised eight incredible children. His life and legacy continue through them all, Jackie explained.

Siegel Leaves Behind a Large Company

Siegel stepped down as Westgate’s CEO last year, but he remained its executive chairman of the board and president until his death. He started the company in 1982 in Kissimmee, Fla., and expanded it into the largest privately owned timeshare company globally. Westgate is also the largest private employer in central Florida.

The timeshare empire encompasses over 13,500 rooms across 22 resorts in the US, establishing his company as one of the largest resort developers in the nation. He was also the owner of one of Las Vegas’ most renowned hotels, Westgate Las Vegas. Approximately 2,000 employees worked at the Las Vegas hotel, with more than 8,500 employees overall across the 22 properties nationwide.

Other Important Work

Siegel will also be remembered for his efforts to raise awareness about the opioid epidemic. His daughter, Victoria, was found unresponsive at their home in Windermere on June 6, 2015, and after being taken to the hospital, she was pronounced dead. The cause of death was later determined to be a drug overdose, which motivated him to advocate against drug abuse.

He and his wife founded the Victoria’s Voice Foundation. The organization seeks to combat substance abuse by emphasizing education and prevention. In 2019. It has so far assisted over a million parents and children through its educational programs.