Allen Siegel

Allen Siegel of Redding, Connecticut died on April 5, 2025. He was 93. The son of immigrants, he rose from humble roots to become a successful real estate entrepreneur. He leaves behind his children Jonathan Siegel and Tamra Lichtman, daughter-in-law Michelle Girvan, son-in-law Scott Lichtman, and grandchildren Eli and Kayla Lichtman and Zara Siegel. His wife, Claudine Siegel, died in 2020. Allen Siegel was born August 22, 1931 to Solomon and Sadie Siegel in New York City. Sol was a cantor and a sexton. He and Sadie divorced when Allen was young, and Sadie supported her three sons by working at the post office and at Macy’s. Starting as a teenager, Allen worked as a musician. Playing saxophone and clarinet in club date bands, he put himself through school at Queens College and contributed money to the household. After graduation in 1952, Allen began working as a real estate broker at Pearce, Mayer & Greer, a real estate investment firm. He became the head of the sales and financing department and was promoted to partner. In 1972, the firm merged with W.R. Grace & Co. and formed a REIT. In 1980, Allen started a real estate division at Bear Stearns and Co. Allen became president of Bear Stearns Realty and was involved as a principal in the purchase of commercial real estate, including the Steinway Building in Manhattan, for the partners of the firm and their clients. After leaving Bear Stearns in the late 1980s, Allen continued to manage his real estate portfolio and other investments. Allen found his partner for life, Claudine, when he was 25 years old, and they enjoyed a loving 63-year marriage. They lived in Westport, Connecticut for 40 years, where they built a broad community of friends and supported the arts. Allen served on the Board of the Connecticut Alliance for Music and hosted performances in their home, which they built in 1998. He and Claudine also enjoyed living many years in Longboat Key, Florida. Allen was embraced by his family and friends who were drawn to his intelligence, gentle disposition, and sense of humor. He was a storyteller who delighted in creating and performing humorous monologues at parties. An avid tennis player, he won multiple championships at the Birchwood Country Club in Westport. In retirement, he devoted himself to duplicate bridge, enjoying the challenge and companionship and pursuing a high rank in the American Contract Bridge League. Allen achieved the ranking of Ruby Life Master. Allen will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research or to Connecticut Legal Services.