Joel Herbert Siegel

JOEL HERBERT SIEGEL, 89, died February 19, 2019, following a stay in hospice. A resident of East Cobb for nearly 38 years, Joel was born in Statesville, NC, on December 23, 1929, to Gertrude (née Kurtz) and Israel Max Siegel. He was educated at Edwards Military Institute (NC), the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (A.B., M.A.), and Indiana University (Ph.D.) and was for many years a professor of English literature and linguistics, specializing in classics ranging from Beowulf to Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales to the works of James Joyce. A consummate lifelong learner, Joel earned his J.D. at Georgia State University at the age of 56 and subsequently practiced law for several years, ultimately serving as a municipal court judge in Kennesaw. Friends and family remember Joel’s legendary sense of humor and wit, his keen intellect, and his unfailing kindness and decency. He was an omnivorous reader, a stimulating conversationalist, and a dedicated practitioner of the school of philosophy he jokingly called “Siegelistic Joelism.” A Fulbright scholarship to Sweden in 1963 inspired a lifetime of extraordinary travel adventures, which took him around the world to Europe, Asia, the United Kingdom, Africa, Australia, the Mediterranean, and countless other destinations. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Kennesaw State University President Emeritus Betty L. Siegel; daughter Liza Siegel (and husband Tony Guild) of San Rafael, CA; son David Siegel (and wife Jeanie) of Greenville, NC; son Michael Siegel (and wife Meredith) of Arlington, MA; and grandchildren Penni Lane Clifton, Jacob Siegel, Nicholas Siegel, Benjamin Siegel, Natalie Siegel, and Allyson Siegel. The family wishes to thank his caregivers at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital, Comforting Arms, and Wellstar Community Hospice (Tranquility at Kennesaw Mountain), who were indispensable partners as he made this last leg of his life’s journey. Legions of caring friends throughout the community were wonderfully attentive and supportive over the years; to all of them, the family extends its sincerest gratitude. A memorial service will be held at Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home in Marietta on Saturday, March 9, 2019, beginning at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Drs. Betty L. and Joel H. Siegel Leadership Endowed Scholarship at Kennesaw State University.

Joel Herbert Siegel

December 23, 1929 - February 19, 2019