David Seigel

DAVID SEIGEL, 87 #1> Co-Founder of Riviera Convertible Sofa Company who coined the phrase -"Live on the Riviera... Convertible Sofas that is..." died on Monday February 6. He was a husband of 60 years to Norma; father of Gary, Debbie (Hartley), Andrea (Blumenfeld), Scott, and brother of Sanford, Eddy, Jerome (deceased), and Sidney (deceased). He was grand father to 10 grandchildren. Serving in WWII as legal council he corresponded with the love of his life, Norma. Together she supported him as he completed his law degree from Ohio until they ultimately moved to California. One of five brothers who co-founded Riviera Convertible Sofa Company in the 1950's, Seigel specialized in the marketing division and called upon the talents of everyone from Bob Hope, Doris Day, Jimmy Durante, and even a chimpanzee to demonstrate the Riviera sofa that converted easily into a bed. One of his most popular claims to fame at Riviera is when he purchased all local network time to sponsor "City at Night" which began with Art Linkletter "daring" the TV viewers to "turn the channel" (where the broadcast would show on all the channels) and included the Bob Rose orchestra and various singers and comedians of the late 1950's. His devotion to his community included being President of University Synagogue where he was instrumental in raising funds for Israel during the High Ho lidays. He went on to become President of the Region of Reform Synagogues where he continued to help others. After retiring from Riviera in the early 1970's, Seigel embarked on his greatest achievement - teaching. His passion and zeal for encouraging entrepreneurs made his classes a standing room only event at Pierce College in Woodland Hills. It was not uncommon for Seigel to personally call or write postcards to struggling students saying "Missing you--wish you were here". His sense of humor and rea l-life stories would inspire thousands of students to embark on their own businesses. He successes were many judging by how 25 years later former students would still keep in contact with him to appraise him of their successes. He was instrumental in the birth of California Closets and business successes like Richard Rosen of R&R Industries attributes his accomplishments to Seigel's motivational style. People Magazine, the Wall Street Journal, and the Los Angeles Times did several stories spot lighting his influence. He authored several books about starting a small business such as Selling Selling Sold!, So, You Want to Start Something?, and a successful textbook entitled Successful Small Business Management. His passion for mentoring budding entrepreneurs, supporting his community, and offering humor and boundless love for his family and friends was surpassed only by his love for his wife Norma. Together they formed a bond of love that enveloped them and allowed him to be the positive, compassiona te, funny, man that many were privileged to know. Services will be held at Hillside Mortuary 2:00 p.m., Thursday.