David Siegel, the CEO and founder of Westgate Resorts, has passed away at 89 years old. The company revealed his passing on Saturday morning through social media. No explanation was provided, but reports suggest that he had been fighting cancer at home in Orlando. 

“David never forgot his humble roots, starting Westgate in his garage and using the company as a way to lead others to become inspired and successful,” said Westgate Resorts CEO Jim Gissy in a statement. “David worked hard to leave us a company that will continue to preserve its family origins, and the significant resources and ambition to instill joy in the lives we touch through the hospitality we provide.”

Siegel launched his timeshare business in 1982, managing its growth from Orlando to Miami Beach and extending beyond Florida to spots in Arizona, Virginia, and Utah. Currently, the empire he established consists of over 13,500 rooms at 22 resorts throughout the US. 

In June 2014, Westgate Resorts acquired the Las Vegas Hotel & Casino from Goldman Sachs and Gramercy Capital for an estimated price of $150 to $170 million. The resort was launched by gaming tycoon Kirk Kerkorian in July 1969 as the International Hotel and was renamed the Las Vegas Hilton in July 1971. 

The estate gained international fame due to Elvis Presley’s concert residency held there from 1969 to 1976. 

Siegel resigned as CEO of Westgate last year but continued as its executive chairman of the board and president. 

Additional Tasks 

Siegel wird ebenfalls dafür in Erinnerung bleiben, das Bewusstsein für die Opioid-Epidemie zu schärfen. Following the accidental overdose death of their 18-year-old daughter, Victoria, in June 2015, he and his wife, Jackie Siegel, established the Victoria’s Voice Foundation. The organization aims to address substance abuse by highlighting prevention and education efforts. 

“David’s tireless efforts were instrumental in promoting the use of the life-saving drug Narcan among first responders, including our agency,” said Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma, a board member of Victoria’s Voice, in a post on Facebook. “His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew, respected, and admired him — and all the lives that have been saved because of his advocacy efforts.”

Siegel hinterlässt Jackie sowie 12 Kinder und 12 Enkelkinder. Instead of flowers, the family requests that contributions be directed to Victoria’s Voice.