John Siegel

SIEGEL, Jr., John Robert

John Robert Siegel, Jr., beloved brother, uncle, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully in Atlanta, GA on August 16, 2025, at age 75.

John was born on July 6,1950 to Bobby Bernice and John Robert Siegel, Sr. in St. Louis, Missouri. John attended St. Louis University High School, a Catholic, Jesuit college-preparatory school, where he developed his lifelong commitment to learning and interest in teaching as his profession.

When his family relocated to Atlanta, John attended Georgia State University, achieved the Dean's List and earned his A.B. degree in 1972. He started teaching at Douglas County High School and then went on to teach at Lithia Springs High School in 1975, where he remained a long-tenured and dedicated educator until his retirement in 2013. While teaching, he went back to GSU and earned his M.A.T. degree in 1974, and his Ed.S. degree in 1981. His thirst for knowledge and love of learning was awarded with two Fulbright scholarships to China and India, and he also attended a study program in Russia. John taught many subjects including World History, AP European History, Asian history, Yearbook Journalism, German, and Russian languages. He was awarded STAR teacher of the year several times and coached the Scholar Bowl team to many victories. Even after his retirement, John helped write questions for the annual Scholar Bowl contest. John truly loved teaching and was very fond of his colleagues and students. He was considered an exemplary educator and an inspiration to many.

John's mother, Bobby, was a longtime Delta Airlines employee, and so during his childhood John along with his mom, dad, and brother Peter went on many adventures, taking trips all over the world. In adulthood, John continued to be an avid traveler, with a goal of taking two international trips per year while still teaching. He traveled the globe many times over, but was particularly fond of Europe, where he was a walking encyclopedia of historical knowledge behind all the interesting sights and things to do. You could leave your travel guide books at home when traveling with John! At one point in his career, being aware of how fortunate he was to have traveled so extensively, he decided to start sponsoring some of his students on trips to Europe. He not only acted as their personal tour guide and chaperone but also provided much of the cost out of his own pocket.

After retiring, John became a volunteer with the Friends of the Northside Branch Library, where his keen wit and dry sense of humor kept his friends entertained while sorting books for the book sales. John was a collector of books and historical objects, with his favorite subjects being the World Wars. John couldn't pass up a good garage sale and always found interesting items to gift to his family at Christmas and birthdays.

John was a devout Catholic and a member of the Cathedral of Christ the King in Buckhead for over 50 years. When traveling, his deep faith inspired him to locate a Catholic church and attend mass wherever he was in the world.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John R. Siegel, Sr. and Bobby Bernice Marie Siegel. He is survived by his brother, Peter Siegel (Robin); nephew, Andrew Siegel; niece, EvaMarie David (Brad); and grandnephew, Lorne David, all who loved him dearly and miss him tremendously.

A Celebration of Life service will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: Friends of the Northside Branch Library 3295 Northside Parkway Atlanta, GA 30327 or St. Louis University High School 4970 Oakland Avenue St. Louis, MO 63110