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Dr. Ralph Mitchell Siegel

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Rutgers University

FUNERAL HOME

Bernheim-Apter-Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel

68 Old Short Hills Road

Livingston, New Jersey

Ralph Siegel Obituary

Dr. Ralph Mitchell Siegel, 52, beloved husband, father, brother, son and uncle, passed away peacefully on Friday, Sept. 2, 2011, at home, with Jasmine, his loving wife of 23 years, at his side. He will be immeasurably missed by all: by his soulmate Jasmine and his proud, inspired children, Dashiel and Zoe, who have the most amazing memories of their devoted Daddy; by his supportive and loving sister, Cheryl, and her family, who shared in so many of his major and daily life events, and his loving mother, Elaine, who comforted him at the end. His legacy is bound up in the threads of his personal and professional lives which he was so good at weaving together; integrating his love of scientific inquiry, family life, spirituality and friendship. His book comes out next year, illustrating his talent for this. Most recently, he pursued research in vision and perception as a professor of neuroscience at Rutgers University. Some of the institutions he was affiliated with along his professional path include McGill University, the Salk Institute and Rockefeller University. Over the years, he volunteered on various education and technology committees at Solomon Schechter in West Orange, N.J., where his children attended school, and was instrumental in bringing his synagogue B'nai Shalom of West Orange into the age of technology. Many who celebrate Ralph's remarkable legacy of love for people and knowledge will attend funeral services, beginning at 9:45 a.m. at Temple B'nai Shalom, 300 Pleasant Valley Way in West Orange, on Sunday, Sept. 4, 2011. Burial will follow at King Solomon Cemetery in Clifton, N.J.

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Published by The Star-Ledger on Sep. 4, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Siegel

Sponsored by Jasmine Siegel.

18 Entries

Chris Bracken

January 22, 2012

I worked in the biomedical engineering unit at McGill as a technician in the late 70's and early 80's during the time Ralph was working on his PhD; he was a great guy as well as a clever and hard-working scientist, and spent time encouraging me to return to university and get my computer science degree ( which I did ). I dropped in on him at the Salk Institute in 1985/6 when my wife and I were scouting out San Diego as an escape from Montreal winters ( which we did ). I'm sorry to hear about his passing.

Mark Haynes

January 6, 2012

I met Ralph in Montreal in the seventies and who could forget his red, red head! What a fun and engrossing fellow. I was drawn to his passion for the physical sciences after sharing a class. I remember fondly our rambling conversations although the particulars are lost--like the day we saw the cartoon rendition of Lord of the Rings or our visit in Miami where we exchanged stories of grad school travails.

We had a few opportunities to reconnect after school and did so with pleasure.

Body so frail
Spirit so boundless
I bid you fare-the-well
Friend

Rachel Reesor-Taylor

December 16, 2011

Today I received the McGill Alumni magazine and was saddened to read Ralph's name in the In Memoriam section. I lost touch with Ralph when he left Montreal for the Salk Institute. All I remember was hearing of a Jasmine and I am so happy to see now what a long, fruitful and happy relationship that has been.
My memories of Ralph are biology class, Mount Royal picnic, his little yellow convertible, his visit out to my farm in Mascouche, always a warm, funny, and sincere person - a real mensch. My sincere condolences to Jasmine his children. I hope you will be glad to know that it is easy to recall him so fondly from 30 years ago.

Ralph on the choo-choo at the Turtleback Zoo. May 2011

Cheryl siegel

September 23, 2011

To my brother Ralph-

There are no good words to describe the loss of my brother Dr. Ralph Siegel.

If you met us you would think we were twins. with the red hair,the freckles, the physique and the smile. During Ralph’s many treatments for cancer we even found out that our blood DNA were uncannily alike. Our noticeable difference was Ralph's had ice blue eyes. He was 18 months older than me.

Most of you here didn’t know him so I will tell you a bit about him in the words of others who did

In the words of his son Dashiel “my dad showed me the fun and joy in life he often said me we stand on the shoulders of giants. he was my giant. ”, His daughter Zoe“dad made me his sunflower to grown and sway in the wind”, his wife Jasmine “ I am grateful to have had his forever love, for all his social faux pas, he was amazing
at making and keeping the most phenomenal relationships with remarkable people” Oliver Sacks his mentor and collaborator. “The world of Science has lost a truly great mind, RAlph was my mentor his contributions to neuroscience will be used for years to come” His post docs from his lab at Rutgers “Ralph led me to see my potential, to challenge with passion what science presents. And to see things in a positive light” His Rabbi and close friend. “It is taught in your life you should have a good rabbi and a good friend, Ralph was my good friend”

In Ralph’s last years he used his own words and wrote a book titled “ Another Day in the Monkey's Brain.” a series of essays about being a scientist, written during his years researching the brain though monkey's brain. Although it is about science it teaches us about life and living.

As his brain and body failed him and he could find words less and less. The final words that did stay with him were “I love you”

These are the words I have for him.

My sweetie

Jasmine Siegel

September 15, 2011

Jasmine Siegel

September 15, 2011

I want to mention here that in memory of Ralph's passing, the flag will fly at half-mast in front of the Old Queen's building on the New Brunswick campus of Rutgers University on September 19th and 20th. I just found out this was also done right here on the Newark campus where Ralph worked for the past 20+ years. Feeling proud once again-- Jasmine

Penny Moody-Corbett

September 8, 2011

Ralph and I shared a time as graduate students at McGill. We spent many hours talking about life and love and science and walking on the Mountain. We had recently reconnected and it was so exciting. I have so many fond and crazy memories of Ralph and I know that he cherished dearly family and friends. My thoughts are with you all.
Penny

Alana Zaic

September 8, 2011

I had the honor of knowing Ralph for six years through the office where I work. When he found out about my love of neuorscience and desire to go to grad school for it, he brought me along to lectures, guided me, and advised me along the way. He was an absolute delight to know, and touched and enriched so many lives, including mine. My sincerest condolences to his family and friends, and also to his colleagues and students. He was a very bright light on this earth and to have known him was a blessing.

Peter Shizgal

September 7, 2011

I had the privilege of having met Ralph and having had the chance to discuss with him his original, fascinating ideas about neuroscience; we kept in touch sporadically over the years. The memories of those exchanges include more than a recollection of how smart, creative, and committed he was. I can't help but recall as well his terrific sense of humor and his great personal warmth. What a wonderful person! He will be missed sorely. May fond memories provide solace for his loved ones at this hard time.

Elaine R. S. Cohen

September 7, 2011

I was deeply saddened to learn of Ralph's untimely passing. During my years as Head of School at the Solomon Schechter Day School of Essex and Union, Ralph was supportive and encouraging in his role on the Education Committee. i remember many conversations about big ideas and educational approaches that would engage and motivate children to learn. He was a wonderful role model of the scientist who never hesitated to get involved in the field of education and the lives of his two children. Ralph lived his Jewish commitments and interests with his academic and scholarly pursuits in a fully integrated way. Although we have not been in touch for several years, I will miss him, knowing that he is gone, and send my heartfelt condolences to the whole family.

Elie Klachkin

September 6, 2011

Great, down to earth, guy who truly understood what matters in life. Enjoyed each and every time we met. You will be missed. Deepest condolences to Jasmine, Dashiel and Zoe.

Ben Lev

September 5, 2011

I keep you always, Ralph, in my heart as a spontaneous, affectionate and loyal friend. I smell your fresh baked bread, I see your beautiful red head, I yell with you from the cockpit of your MG, I shiver with cold with you in your VW bus in the middle of Montreal winter. The mold was broken after you were made Ralph, a unique and wonderful mensch.

Annette Tuman

September 5, 2011

I have so many wonderful memories of Ralph. Even though he was so busy, he still found the time in his important schedule to assist me and was always smiling and happy. My deepest sympathy to Jasmine and all the family members.

Talia Grossman

September 5, 2011

The memories I have of Ralph are only full of smiles, laughter, interesting conversation, and genuine character. I know the world lost a truly special, valuable, and caring person. Ralph will always have a place in my memory.

Lisa Hill

September 4, 2011

My deepest condolences to Jasmine, Zoe, Dashiel, Cheryl and family, Elaine. Ralph was a devoted friend, husband, father, brother, son who had a joie de vivre that was irresistible. From the moment your MG broke down in Berkeley all those years ago to our last hug in June, I will treasure our friendship forever.

Larry Snyder

September 4, 2011

I've known Ralph since I followed in his footsteps in choosing a post-doc lab. We've kept in touch over the years, and I've always been impressed by his commitment to science and his sharp mind. When we last met, after a fairly long gap - perhaps 2 years ago, when he came out to St. Louis to give a talk - I noticed how much his focus had shifted to his family. He spoke adoringly of his wife and children. He was still passionate about science, and clearly cared deeply about his students and his work, but even more about his home life. I'll miss his loyalty, his science and his friendship.

Lisa Stefanacci

September 4, 2011

For many years, Ralph blew into San Diego each summer with Jasmine, Zoe, and Dashiel. His enthusiasm, energy, and ideas shook our family to life. Others will speak of Ralph as a scholar and passionate scientist. What I saw was his deep love of his family; his goofiness, warmth, and light-heartedness; his deep reflection, love, and appreciation of the world around him. Oh, also his sheer enjoyment of bantering...We're heartbroken for Jasmine and family that he's gone, and extremely sorry for ourselves.

David Boys

September 4, 2011

I met ralfie when i turned 18 as a freshman at mcgill in montreal. he and i fled the university dormitories and rented an apartment for more sane living. Ralph and i tried eating vegetarian - supplemented by the most decadent home-made baklava. thus started 30+ years of adventures which led us down different paths, different cities and continents, but succeeded in staying in touch. Ralph was a very special friend, my loss is huge... my condolences to his lovely family and to his many other friends who also feel the loss.

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