ORLANDO, Fla. — Longtime Central Florida businessman and Westgate Resorts founder David Siegel has died, according to resort officials Saturday morning.
The Orlando-based Westgate Resorts was established in 1982 and currently employs 8,500 people.
During his career, Siegel received an honorary doctorate from Florida A&M University, ARDA’s ACE Philanthropy Award, and Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year for the State of Florida. In 2013, he was inducted into the Central Florida Hospitality Hall of Fame by the University of Central Florida.
His wife, Jackie, was dubbed the “Queen of Versailles” after the couple began constructions of a 90 thousand-square-foot home in Windermere.
Siegel owned the Orlando Predators Arena Football League team.
He also created the Victoria’s Voice Foundation to fight opioid addiction after his teenage daughter died from an overdose back in 2015.
“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 Jim Gissy, Chief Executive Officer of Westgate Resorts 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 was 89 years old.
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