Dani, Amazing friend
He was kind hearted, Smart and Charming 
Dani was very spirited with many stories that made you laugh and wonder .
He is greatly Missed.
Rest in peace my friend 
Julio, Ruth Rodriguez and Family

A most remarkable, unforgettable patient/friend.  He was a hybrid bon vivant, Borscht belt comedian. He loved life; he loved people; he loved women; he loved fast cars; he loved shtick. He made us smile in life. Ane he continues to do so. His memory is as a blessing. Dr. Peter Rubin

An unforgetable personality! A one-man show, with humorous stories for all occasions, a twinkle in his eyes, full of love of family and life. This physician and his staff miss him. His memory is as a blessing.  PHRubin MD 

Hi 

My name is Becky, I work at Island restaurant 

I thought of Dani and tried his cell number in the book but no answer so I looked him up online and am sad to see the news of his passing 

Dani had such an infectious smile, he was one of mine and my co-worker Kate’s favourite customer

Thinking of you and your family and his close friend Sylvia who he would come in with on a Thursday evening. They had the most loveliest companionship 

Best,
All of us at Island restaurant 

So many wonderful years, they pass so fast. Together,on many life journeys.Business  talks, "fighting" together ,worldly and family matters. Breaking bread, sharing many family events, missing a few.
Never a winner or a loser, just nothing ever lost between us. Always steady.
Yes, the last year posed to be difficult, but Dani was always indefatigable.
Loved our many years together.
I know he's sleeping with the better angels and regaling the earthier 
times.

I just learned of Dani's passing today. Consequently I am filled with sadness and grief and dozens of memories of laughter and tears shared with this one of kind gentleman!  Travel in Israel, parties, dinners and also times just spent talking and sometimes suffering.  The chapters of life run through my mind.  But I am sure Dani is in heaven with a drink  in one hand and a group of angels surrounding him listening to the best stories they have heard in a millenium.  Rest in joy Dani!

I met, and got to know Dani very well through being on the opposite side of the table from him in Union negotiations.  Often we met in his office on 56th Street, and it was always a pleasure to visit with him.  He was a wonderful storyteller and conversationalist, and it would be an unwanted chore to have to steer the discussion back to mundane business issues.  He had a tremendous enthusiasm and love of life, and I'll always have a fond memory of him.  Rest in peace, Dani.

Dani was like a father to me in many ways. I had moved to Ny in the early 90's and had few friends and no family close by. I met him through advertising and his business at first but he clearly took an interest in generations many decades younger than himself because he too was much younger than his physical age. He took me to so many long lunches and dinners and took a keen interest in my dating life...wandering why I was not married yet! The stories were endless and it seemed like he knew every maitre-d in Ny, always getting 'his table' at every place we ate at. We both loved desserts and I remember we often finished meals by ordering 3-4 of them between the two of us! Thankfully Dani had many other friends to dine with or I would have gotten fat real fast. I heard many stories about his family, many of whom I met briefly...about his heritage and love for Latvia. I visited him during the difficult times too. Dani introduced me to one of my lifelong friends (Andrea) that he thought I would be a good match for. Dani met Andrea at the bar at the Red Cat. Andrea was a painter and everyone knows Dani had a love for art. His amazing home in South Hampton, which he let me stay in over my birthday in the summer with my mother who was visiting from South Africa was a memorable weekend. No one loved life more than Dani. If I close my eyes I can see that face and hear that laugh ring out forever. Andrea and I tried to reach out to Dani this week only to find out he just passed this April. I had reached out to him over the years since my move to California but often did not hear back from him. Both Andrea and myself were shattered to find out today that he is no longer with us. Love you always Dani.

Dani and I had a business / friendship relationship.
He was full of life always with a smile on his face  Positive attitude great listener always out spoken , charming , great sense of humor and kind .
I don't know of anyone who didn’t love Dani 
Dani had a lot of passion for many things even his plants .
We went to my cousin’s Restaurant a couple of times and boy how he enjoyed The Red Rioja Wines and all the Spanish food from Spain 🇪🇸 
He was just so free spirited and knew how to enjoy life and as my wife said he was such a smooth operator ....
We will miss him dearly but like to think we will meet again one day .
May you Rest In Peace my friend and know you will forever be remembered .
Your Friends 
Julio , Ruth , Russell , Kelly & Bianca Rodriguez 

We were The Three Musketeers, at least that’s what Dani called us. Shirley, Dani, and me. We also had our song – Glenn Miller’s Chattanooga Choo Choo. You should have heard our three-part harmony when we heard it on the radio. Dani loved to dance, and he was such a good dancer and I loved dancing with him. He had such beautiful rhythm.

I have a funny story: Dani’s biggest joy was having Mama to his house for the weekend. One day, Dani parked his car on the ramp to help Mama down the stairs. Of course, she is bringing her kosher pots, chicken, etc.. In helping her in the car the bag with the chicken breaks and it falls to the ground. Dani goes ballistic and kicks the chicken down the ramp. Mama is very angry and decides she is not going. With that she goes back in the house with Dani following her and apologizing all the way. Of course, she relents and off they go to Pomona with her chicken. Happy ending!

Mama is going to Dani’s for the weekend. Of course, she is bringing her kosher chicken and her kosher pots. As she comes down the ramp, the bag with the chicken breaks and the chicken falls out. Dani loses his temper and kicks the chicken down the ramp. Mama also loses her temper and says, “I’m not going”, turns around and marches back to the house. Dani runs after her and apologizes. Mama relents, gets in the car, and all is forgotten.

Dani loved Passover and being with family. It was very important to him as it was to us. The patriarch of the family is gone. I will miss you my baby brother. It will never be the same.

Good night sweet prince …


Uncle Dani and I shared many interests. Most of all, we shared a love of Israel, Jewish causes, and of course, the Jewish Holidays. What would Passover or Rosh Hashana be without Uncle Dani?  My Uncle Dani always planned six months in advance of each holiday. Whether it was planning the menu or making sure of the final headcount, Uncle Dani was always involved in planning for the entire family.

Uncle Dani's commitment to our family was unconditional. He was everyone's personal savior. After my divorce, when I couldn't find work, he gave me my first job.

One of my most memorable "Uncle Dani Stories" happened nine years ago. It was in August of 2011. My grandson, Dylan (Melissa's son) was born in the middle of the NY earthquake on August 23rd. Immediately after, Hurricane Irene pounded the Northeastern Coastline causing major flooding, power outages and road closures. Melissa was forced to evacuate and schlep her family to my home in Seagate which miraculously was saved from this disaster. Baby Dylan would have his Bris in my home. I called Uncle Dani to invite him, preferracing the conversation with, "I understand if you can't make it..." Uncle Dani immediately replied, "Of course I'll be there!" Not only did Uncle Dani show up, but as usual, became a major participant, honoring the family by being the "Sandek" (the person who carries and holds the baby during the circumcision ceremony). Going above and beyond, Uncle Dani offered to pay the Rabbi for his services. Melissa respectfully declined. Later that evening, Melissa found an envelope addressed to her on the dining room table. In the envelope was a check from Uncle Dani covering more than just the Rabbi's fees.

Rest well Uncle Dani
Love,
Gail

Dani was a surrogate father to me when my father left home.  He and uncle Dick saved me.   Rest easy Dani.   

Losing my brother, Dani, is like losing a limb; part of me is forever gone. Life is often cruel, so I have to live on Dani memories.

I started my teaching career late in life, so having little seniority, I was often laid off from my job.  But there was always Dani.  He offered me a job as a bookkeeper.  When I told him I knew nothing about bookkeeping, he said, "You'll learn."   At that time we used ledgers instead of a computer.  I learned that the debits were toward the window and the credits were toward the door, and I became a bookkeeper.

Dani has come through for me in countless other ways as well. He was my personal savior.  Even after he retired, he refused to retire me, sending me bills to pay, making me think I was necessary to him. Instead he was necessary to me.  How blessed I was to be blood-tied to such a beautiful and extraordinary man.

Good night, my Aramis. Be at peace.  

Your Shirley

I will miss Dani! I met Dani when I was just 5 years old and already was in awe of his taste in the finest. He had bought his kids the ultra modern 60's round  tape cassette player and in one instant he was cooler than cool....
Fast forward to many great times out at his house in Westhampton Beach  where his generosity, humor, storytelling and larger than life personality combined with his warmth and big smile always made me feel special and welcomed! His daughter Susan's is my oldest and best friend, so we have shared many Dani moments together too.. When I think of Dani I too think of Frank Sinatra and especially his song "I did it my way" Dani, may your next chapter be everything you want it to be! I am sure you will be sure to make that happen.  
What an incredible legacy he left behind ; his loving, devoted and incredible kids Gary, Susan, Leslie , David and all of his incredible grandchildren! With lots of love, Cindy xx0x0x0x0x0



 My dad’s insatiable love of learning led us on many adventures. We traveled to Israel, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Switzerland , Ivory Coast, and Kenya together. The common thread was always to change the rules to fit what he wanted to do. So many memories... but here’s one that stands out:
Back in 1987, on safari in Kenya, the two of us were in the middle of the savannah thousands of miles from Nairobi watching two male wildebeests fight over a female, when he turned to our driver and said, call the airline , book me the Concorde, it’s time for me to go home. We had three more days of our trip, but he was done. Maybe something about the battling and ruthlessness of those animals made him think of his work in New York. Six hours later he was gone and I was back on a plane to Ivory Coast. His parting words,”when it’s time to go, have the courage to pick up and take off, no questions asked. You will know.”
I think he lived by those words and died by them too. As his guy Frank said “I did it my way”. He wouldn’t have it any other way.  

Having a true Love of Life is how I remember Dani. His joy and passion was overflowing and contagious. I was blessed to share part of my life with him

We met in 1982 when I was a project architect with Paul Rudolph. Dani commissioned us to add a 2nd floor to a small beach house he owned in Westhampton Beach. Being professional I tried not to socialize with clients. Of course this was impossible with Dani, he was the most charming and social person I had ever met. Thus began a close 38 year collaboration and friendship  

Dani jumped into the project with a genuine creative spirit from the beginning. It was his idea to buy another property on the bay side of Dune Road, move the existing house and build an entirely new beach house  

Dani understood the creative process. During construction Dani called to ask Rudolph and me to come see if we wanted to make design changes. He had a keen eye. It was with Dani’s spirit and creative passion that such a truly magnificent house was designed and built 

Dani loved architecture and new projects. Together we designed his executive offices in Manhattan, factory offices in NJ and new kitchen for the beach house. Whether I was in LA or Europe when he summoned me I always came  

Over the years we shared our lives and had many wonderful times at the beach house and in Manhattan, from serious meetings to all night partying. I knew his family and his girlfriends and he knew mine. At times he was like a father, other times like a brother and always like a best friend. One time when we discussed our friendship he said he would always be my “pal”

Dani was a truly creative soul, a designer, art collector, chef, avid reader, lover of music and a self made successful business man. More than all that he was most of all a true friend. He could always cheer me up when I needed it. Every time I was with him it was magical and special 

Dani didn’t die, only his body died. His spirit left his body and lives on. He will always be my pal!



Danala, this is Lindala.  There  has never been a lapse in our friendship in the over 40 years we have known each other.  Through the good times and the difficult times, and there have been many of both, we have been there for each other — and I know we always will.  I will miss you.  Much love to you.  

We have lost a unique,  dear, beloved patient, friend, entertainer, raconteur, confabulator, and one-man tragi-comedy series.  He did not go quietly or easily. He loved life but could not abide his body not being to keep up with his ego and id.  For me and my office his memory will be as a blessing. We wish his beloved family strength in their mourning.  Dr. Peter Rubin.

Dani was my father-in-law. Lucky me. He gave me a New York family. Who's better than me?

He was 30 years my senior, but at times he reminded me of some of the guys I grew up with who got a rise out of badgering and needling me, maybe just maybe, because he really liked me, or knew I could take it. He was from the Bronx, I'm from Boston, you can't get more oil and water than that! 

Dani was the guy who for 27 years would often say to me,“ You really didn’t like me at first did you?”  I would reply, “we both know it’s the other way around”. 

He was also the father-in-law who once said that the only thing we had in common was:his daughter. But he knew, that I knew that wasn’t true.  Far beyond his beloved daughter/my darling wife, we had these things very much in common: a belief in squeezing every bit out of the best life could offer and conversations which challenged each of us to think deeper and wider. Although I KNOW I never, ever changed his mind about ANYTHING, I made him sometimes think he changed mine! So it was mutual. Maybe he was disappointed that I wasn’t a Jew, but he sure worked hard to make me one! 

I will be forever grateful for his generosity, presence and spirit in my life.  He was too crazy to be forgotten…and I loved him for it.


Gary and I were dancing at the twins Bar Mitzvah, and following the dance, Dani put his arm around me and said my son looks so happy, I love that guy,  don't hurt him.   I turned to Dani and said that I too love that guy.  This moment created a bond between Dani and myself, and I've heard that he retold that story over and over again through the years.  He was one in a million and will be missed. 

I have a story about him that involves a car drive.  Pretty much every Friday of my childhood, he came and got me and we drove up to his house for the weekend.  




One night when I was probably about 10 and we were making our way out of the Bronx he began to tell me stories of Alibaba and open sesame.  Always a good story teller he regaled me with those stories for the rest of the ride.    I think it was raining and quite dark and he said something about me getting out and opening the garage door.  Then something about why have to get cold and wet, and he jokingly says open sesame and we laugh but then the garage door starts opening. 
  
I am in utter amazement.  You have to understand that I did not know that garage doors had automatic openers, let alone that he had had one installed that week.  My eyes followed he door as It went up and up and I looked at him, searching for some kind of help, anything to make sense of what I was seeing, and he smiles and hands me the little control and says to push the button.   Well I got the hang of it pretty fast and was going up and down and up…  

He took it back. 

 But we walked into the open garage door and he closed it behind him, and I was smiling and bouncing around the whole way into the house.


I have a story about him that involves a car drive.  Pretty much every Friday of my childhood, he came and got me and we drove up to his house for the weekend.  One night when I was probably about 10 and we were making our way out of the Bronx he began to tell me stories of Alibaba and open sesame.  Always a good story teller he regaled me with those stories for the rest of the ride.    I think it was raining and quite dark and he said something about me getting out and opening the garage door.  Then something about why have to get cold and wet, and he jokingly says open sesame and we laugh but then the garage door starts opening.   
I am in utter amazement.  You have to understand that I did not know that garage doors had automatic openers, let alone that he had had one installed that week.  My eyes followed the door as It went up and up and I looked at him, searching for some kind of help, anything to make sense of what I was seeing, and he smiles and hands me the little control and says to push the button.  Well I got the hang of it pretty fast and was going up and down and up…  

He took it back.  

But we walked into the open garage door and he closed it behind him, and I was smiling and bouncing around the whole way into the house.


Here’s a quick little story, it’s probably  in the early 80’s and we are at a restaurant, lots of us at the table and my then Girlfriend and I brought a chocolate Easter bunny, but being health nuts, it was actually a carob Easter bunny.  So we passed it around and each person is taking off a small piece and it comes to my father and he looks at it and makes a devouring bite, taking off the head and quite a bit more.  He immediately pouts and disgusted spits it out on a small plate.  “Feh, horrible what is that” he asks, we chime in  - it’s carob, he says it’s disgusting, we say no, its good it’s just that its not chocolate.  He would have none of it, his introduction to carob went less than swimmingly. 


I remember the first time we met he gave me a hard time but susan and i worked our way into his heart and he gave in, I remember he when he called susan at 1 am and told her he fell on the floor and I was angry at him and wouldn't help lol he was sitting on the bed having that convo with susan, I also remember him calling the cops saying Patricia and I stole his pants 😅🤣 . I will never forget you or the life lessons I learnt. you were a strong, ambitious, very hard working and family man and whenever I miss you I look to the clouds and I remember that beautiful smile while listening to Frank's my way  💙💙💙💙 forever in our hearts, forever missed but most of all forever loved 

I Remember the first time i ever saw him he told me how beautiful and pretty i was, and when he smile he lights the whole room up dani had a beautiful smile , he showed me love and kindness and most of all he is a great story teller when you want to hear a good story or about him just go sit with him he will have you laughing i knew him for a short period of time but for that time i learn so much from a very intelligent smart beautiful soul it was a honor being in his presence   

Wow, he loomed so large in my life. During my early years on Valentine Ave. he was like the really big brother who kept me in line when I gave Baba (his mother) a hard time. One memory from that time I remember was him in his Khaki's early in the morning leaving after he got drafted for the Korean War and not seeing him for a long time after. I must have been 4 or 5. I also love the story he used to tell of his posing in front of the mirror. On Valentine Ave. Zada built a wall of cut mirrors that covered the wall over the couch. His father, our grandfather,  was a true renaissance man and Dani learned a lot from him. I digress. Anyway, if you were looking at the mirror to your left were two windows facing the street. Since we were on the first floor you could look out and see people walking by and people walking by could see into the apartment. Dani decided to stand in front of the mirror in his tighty whiteys and do muscle magazine poses. At that time as a 16 year old he only weighed 120 pounds soaking wet. He didn't realize that a small crowd had gathered outside to watch him. Dani said when he noticed he collapsed immediately to the floor and crawled out of the living room and probably crawled all the way down the hall to the dining room.
Of course Dani, being the master story teller that he was, could stretch this tale out till you couldn't breathe and that ability is another story. Loved my Uncle Dani and will miss him immensely.

My favorite memory of Grandpa was probably the one time I spent time with him alone. I don’t remember how old I was, but he picked me up in his convertible to take me to the Zoo. I was so excited and he seemed to be too. The entire way there, he shared his love for jazz and of course, Frank Sinatra. He played his favorites and told me his best stories of his early days. He sang along word for word, and kept looking over at me smiling, looking for excitement in my eyes. At the time I didn’t appreciate the beauty of the music, but as I got older I’ve found that jazz has heavily influenced my life especially as a singer. Every time I hear a Sinatra song I think of him... I think of that memory and how happy he was to share that part of his love of music with me. I can just see him now, being so silly imitating Franks scats and melodies. I miss him deeply, but he lives in the music forever. 

As Dani’s girlfriend for 14 years,  I have so many wonderful memories of our trips, dinners at glamorous restaurants, family celebrations. He was dressed impeccably and was so handsome The best times were at the beach house in the winter with the fireplace going ,  Dani and I cooked dinner together and finished a great bottle of wine.  Desert always!  Dani loved his sweets. He will be in my heart forever. 
Love you , Sharon 

I remember cooking with Grandpa in the beach house when I was maybe 10 and he showed me how to cook some potatoes and steak, led me to enjoy cooking ever since and still use the way he showed me to this day.

So many memories, where to start? 
Dad wasn’t so happy being at the Hebrew home re-hab working on his torn hip tendon but he sure made an impression on the aides and the nurses. He was so sweet to them, knew them all by name and had the very un-PC habit of taking the hand of the ones he liked and kissing it repeatedly while thanking them and uttering compliments. Most of these professional caregivers took kindly to this; smiling and indulging him; OK Mr. Siegel, OK... they knew this was the furthest thing from #MeToo; he was old school all the way.  I knew and they did too that he appreciated them being in his corner and also that he was the consummate salesman... never know what a little flattery now might get him later... Oh Dad, you’re gone but always with us 💙 love you 

OBITUARY

Dani Siegel

November 14, 1931 – April 4, 2020

Riverside Memorial Chapel

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