Joel B. Siegel

Joel was born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in East Meadow, Long Island, New York. He graduated SUNY Buffalo cum laude and received his Masters in Social Work there as well. He was all but dissertation at Boston College School of Social Work, but ultimately chose to commit to clinical practice instead of academia. He was recognized for his skills and talent and worked his way through many leadership positions in Greater Boston Mental Health agencies, ultimately settling in as Owner and Director of Family Associates of Merrimack Valley - a large, multi-disciplinary private practice in Chelmsford MA - for over 30 years. He was a respected mentor to many professionals and graduate students, and a valued therapist to innumerable individuals, couples and families. He led many workshops, psychotherapy groups, parenting classes, and was a member of an innovative private practice consortium. He was respected for his quiet, calm competence and wisdom throughout his career until he retired in June, 2019.

Joel was a dear friend to many, both lifelong and new, and was appreciated for his humor, great listening skills, and insight. He was known for making a great martini and signature cocktail at any gathering - Bombay Sapphire gin strongly preferred. He was an avid athlete, and especially loved hiking, biking and tennis. He also loved music and could play a mean blues riff on guitar or harmonica, and proudly boasted his Hippie roots and having snuck into Woodstock in ‘69.

He practiced Transcendental Meditation for decades, and his practice and affinity for Eastern and Buddhist philosophy helped him deal with any challenge and enhanced his appreciation for all the gifts in his life. He was fortunate to travel all over the world with his wife, family and friends, especially loving traditions at the Vineyard, Wellfleet and Florida, but also adventure travel in South America, Europe, Africa, the American Southwest and Canadian Rockies.

His greatest joy was to give to his family and friends. He was so proud to see the fine adults his children became, and absolutely adored his grandchildren. He was a hands on grandpa - getting on the floor for any game, playing hide and seek all over the house, reading books and always at the ready with tic tacs. He will be sorely missed by all who loved him.

Joel is the son of the late Bernard and Florence Siegel, beloved husband of 46 years to Karen Siegel (née Weiner), father to his dear children, Rachel Vogel and her husband Jeff Vogel, and Jeremy Siegel and his wife Margot Stamas, and his treasured grandchildren Julia, Max, and Maeve. Joel also leaves his sister and brother-in-law, Roberta and Peter Sandor, his mother-in-law Ruth Weiner and his late father-in-law, Walter Weiner, and his sisters and brothers-in-laws, Joyce and Stephen Salter, Susan and James Shulman, and many dear nieces and nephews.

A private graveside service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, any donations in his memory would be appreciated at Dana Farber Cancer Institute, www.dana-farber.org and Wildflower: Helping Kids Rediscover Life after Loss, www.wildflowerforkids.org