Bob's Big Birthday

Monday, May 3, 2010

Zach S.

Pop-Pop!!

HAPPY 80TH BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You have always been an incredible person, the best Pop-pop, and a huge inspiration in my life. I always look forward to your birthday cards because they are so well written, and our times spent together, although few and far between, are always great.

I remember throwing paper airplanes off the stairs in your old house (and landing them in Mom-mom's hair), eating at Pizza Hut, wondering if Flaussie (Flossy?) truly existed or whether it was just a ruse to keep me quiet, talking to your car and having it beep back responses (little did I know about the car keys in your pocket), debating global warming, visiting you in Florida, and so many other memories so fondly and am sure that there are plenty more to come.

Have an amazing birthday!!!

Love,

Zach (Grandchild #2)

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Dick and Audrey B.

Bob,

It all began in 1995…I was contemplating retiring to Florida from NY and was surfing the internet getting as much information as possible. All of a sudden a third party got involved in the discussion asking similar questions. Of course it turned out to be Bob S. It was the beginning of a wonderful and long lasting relationship.

As it turned out I retired in October 1996 and bought a home with my wife Audrey in Boynton Beach, called The Grove.

Bob and Sylvia bought a home a short time later in Delray Beach called Floral Lakes. The builder encountered a short delay and I remember checking the progress of the construction and sending him weekly photographs.

They finally moved in and we still hadn’t met, but we set up a date to meet at our house. It was instant rapport. The four of us didn’t have time to cover all of the topics such as doctors, restaurants and the kids we left behind, etc. And we still don’t.

Bob is our true friend.

Happy Birthday Bob!

Dick and Audrey B.

Samanth S.

My fondest memory is creating paper planes with Poppop and flying them off the staircase in their old house. We always would go back and perfect them until they would actually fly! I also loved visiting the "dinosaur pit" (aka the never-ending construction site) near their old house. I always thought it was a great adventure!

One of the funniest memories I have is when M+P took me to Pizza Hut during their "read ten books for a free pan pizza" deal. I remember a mean looking police officer came to our table and we all thought we were in big trouble... He then proceeded to congratulate me on all the books I read! I remember all of us having a huge laugh after that. I always have a wonderful time when Poppop is around!

Love you, Poppop, happy 80th birthday!

Samantha

Friday, April 30, 2010

Mitch K.

“Mr. Siegel”,

The respect I have for you shows by the fact that I still refer to you this way after almost 40 years! I have many great memories of you growing up, and later as an adult.

In fact, some of our experiences together have had a lasting effect on my life, like the Turkey Bowl touch football game, because I started my own traditional game and now my son and his friends look forward to it every year on Thanksgiving. Another positive effect you had on my life is running. When I was very young you would run with my dad and Mr. M and soon I started running. I’ve been running for almost 30 years and it’s been a great way to relieve stress, stay in shape, and spend time with friends, through college and work. I hope my kids pick up the hobby some day!

Lastly, I want to thank you and Mrs. Siegel for putting up with the many nights Lenny and I would play ping-pong until 3 am! Congratulations on reaching such a lofty milestone, and I wish you, many, many, more happy and healthy birthdays to come!

Mitch K.

Sharon S.

Dear Dad,

Mazel Tov and Best Wishes on this very special birthday! Larry's going to carry down my big hug and kiss when he sees you soon.

I clearly remember meeting you for the first time when Larry brought me home from Rutgers to your home on Trebing Court. I knew from the moment I met you and mom what a special family Larry has. You have given your sons the greatest gift of all....the gift of time, unwavering family values, and unconditional love and encouragement. I feel truly blessed to be a part of this amazing family and welcomed as your (first) daughter.

I have always admired your quest for new skills and knowledge. Whether it's starting a new business or starting a blog, your dedication to learning has kept you young and vibrant. You have found "the fountain of youth" with all of your activities and curiosity.

Before you blow out your birthday candles, please take a moment to reflect on all the lives you have touched. From old friends to 5 "new" grandchildren, you have made a positive impact in all of our lives and we love you very much.

All my love and wishes for a wonderful birthday and many more birthdays to follow in good health,

Sharon

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Larry D.

Hi Uncle Bob,

Uncle Bob...... Even when you told me it was OK to call you "Bob" when we emailed each other, I could not do it. You will ALWAYS be my Uncle Bob.

Although lots of new stuff in my head has pushed out many old memories, I will never forget our family's Thanksgiving gatherings. I also fondly remember the summer visits we made to your home in NJ where you had your ping pong table set-up in the garage. Lisa and I loved visiting all of you.

I wish you a very happy 80th birthday,

Larry

Miranda S.

Dear Pop-Pop,

First of all, happy 80th! I remember the last time Dad and I visited you. We were SO happy to see you! From the past years we have visited each other, we have made wonderful memories, like the Golden Corral! It’s so much fun! There are still memories in the future to make. You are the best Pop-Pop in the ENTIRE universe! I love you SOOOOOOOOOOO much!
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO,

Miranda

P.S. Take BIG steps! Take BIG steps!! :)

Laura S.

Dear Dad,

Congratulations on reaching such a wonderful milestone in your life! You are loved by many people, as evidenced by the wonderful tribute Jeff has assembled for you from your loved ones.

Let me add to the tribute by expressing my warmest birthday wishes to you. You’ve always been the best father-in-law I could have ever hoped for. You and mom welcomed me with open arms from day one and I want you to know that I don’t take that for granted. You’ve opened your house to Len and me many times, and have welcomed and loved our children unconditionally.

What touches me the most is the connection that you and mom made with my parents, and especially the connection between you and my dad. Len and I couldn’t have hoped for more than our parents just getting along, but the four of you became good friends and really defined what family is all about. The fact that the four of you once met at Mastori’s diner without ever letting us know about it says it all! :)

Thank you for always making me feel a part of your family and always telling me that you love me. It means more than words can say.

Happy 80th and many many more!

Love,

Laura

Lisa E. (D.)

Hi Uncle Bob,

Do you remember us picking rasberries together at your house? I think you felt bad for me since I was the only girl surrounded by all these boys (my brother and your 3 boys). Thank you for those memories... by the way, I still love rasberries :)

When Mike and I got married, I was so glad you and Aunt Sylvia were able to share that day with us. We hope you have a wonderful 80th birthday!!!

Love,

Lisa & Mike

Lenny S.

Dear Dad,

As I sat down to write you one of our patented family-tradition homemade Siegel birthday cards, I had the idea to list out 80 memories of you and I together, whether it be from my childhood or as an adult. I was shocked how quickly and easily memories came streaming back to me – things I hadn’t thought of in years, and suddenly, within minutes the list reached 80.

I could have kept going and going all night long and still, the card would be incomplete. You have brought so many precious memories to my life, you have been there during the highest highs and stood by me during the lowest of lows. You have held my children when they were barely a day old, passed the Torah to me on my Bar Mitzvah, and we cried together at the passing of our loved ones. You have been a shoulder to lean on as we learned about autism together, and convinced me that as difficult as life can sometimes become, this too will pass – and land on our feet we will.

You have been an amazing father, always supportive and taught us a thing or two about unconditional love. You will always be with me, and I with you. I love you dearly – Happy Birthday Dad!!

Love,

Lenny

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Larry S.

To my father on his 80th birthday (say WHAT???):

You can't put into a few paragraphs a lifetime of memories and emotions. And unsurpassed appreciation. Even though the miles separate us in person, we are never that far apart. (Hey, we're not talking politics here,right?) How many times do I catch myself saying something to one of my children and hear your voice? How many times do I react to an event or make an involuntary body tic only to see you in my actions? And how many times do I press on in the presence of fear, uncertainty or adversity, knowing that I'm only following your example?

There's a lot to be said for the unwavering support you and Mom have always provided we three boys. You've instilled confidence at times of doubt, advice in times of change, and a solid rock when we needed a place to lean.

On the occasion of your 80th birthday -- of which I know you still think you're 32 and managing the dry goods line at a supermarket chain -- you should take great pride and solace in the legacy you've built: a circle of family and friends as dedicated to the work of good deeds and responsible behavior as you've demonstrated your whole life.


I think nothing has provided an appreciation for your love more than the feeling I have when I look upon my own children: unbounded, limitless and unconditional love.

I know that that would not have occurred without the strength -- and tenderness -- you've brought to your own family.


Happy birthday, Dad. And many, many more.

Monday, April 26, 2010

Leon and Adele P.

Dear Bob,

How could the years go by so quickly!? It doesn't seem that long ago that we were running in the JCC races at Cooper River Park with Wendy, or attending services with Rabbi Levine. When you and Sylvia announced you were moving to Florida, we didn't realize how much we would miss you both.

News of your illness knocked us for a loop and we thought of you often. Then came the "good" news: you could be helped and it worked! We were elated. We still miss you both, but we play the hand we were dealt.

Maybe you'll come up North soon and we can have some laughs in Atlantic City; good food, maybe a show, and maybe even win some money. Keep getting better so that maybe we can walk fast together ( notice, I don't run anymore either).

Love,


Leon and Adele

Rita and Harold R.

DEAR BOB;

OUR FRIENDSHIP WITH YOU AND SYLVIA GOES BACK OVER 40 YEARS WHEN WE FIRST EMIGRATED TO THE PHILLY AREA FROM BALTIMORE. YOU AND HAROLD WERE BOTH WORKING FOR FOOD FAIR THEN AND YOU BECAME OUR FIRST FRIENDS IN THIS FOREIGN LAND. WE WERE FORTUNATE TO SHARE MANY HAPPY OCCASIONS WITH YOU, INCLUDING BAR MITZVAHS AND WEDDINGS AND ARE VERY HAPPY TO PARTICIPATE IN YOUR MILESTONE BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE.

YOU AND SYLVIA HAVE ALWAYS BEEN AND STILL ARE VERY DEAR FRIENDS AND WE WISH YOU A VERY HAPPY 80th BIRTHDAY AND MANY MORE HEALTHY AND HAPPY BIRTHDAYS TO FOLLOW.

WE LOVE YOU DEARLY XXXXXXX

RITA AND HAROLD

Al M.

Your dad and I go back to our days in Willingboro. I remember when your dad, Warren K. and yours truly use to jog; we talked about many topics. When we were in our 40's it was women and sex, in our 50's it was finances, in our 60's it was who ached the most.

Your dad and I would always argue about who was older. Now that I know he will be 80, I can prove that he is older than me since I'll be 78 in Sept.! Yak,Yak.

Happy birthday Bob; may you have many years of happiness (You old fart)

With Love,

Al M'(er)

Mitch S.

An Ode to Pop Siegel:

Back before détente with China , Jeff and I used to spend a lot of time playing ping pong in the Trebing Court Table Tennis stadium ( the Siegel garage). After hours of practice, we thought we were getting pretty good. One day, a certain gentleman entered the arena and challenged us to a game. He held his paddle in a manner that we had never seen since we Americans had never seen the Chinese play ping pong and while we felt accomplished being able to smash the ball passed our opponents, this master made the ball twist and turn in all kinds of strange directions.

Once in a while he would even emit an Oriental song for the sake of authenticity. Where he learned these skills I do not know but I do know that he had learned this stuff even before Kissinger sent Americans to play ping pong in China .

Always a fun and lovable guy to be around, I assume this is still the case as you reach the milestone of 80. With wishes for many more birthdays to come.

Love,

Mitch

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Wendy S.

Happy 80th Dad Siegel,

I am sorry Josh and I couldn’t get time away to celebrate your day but want to take this time to reminisce about some moments that were meaningful for me.

When I met Jeff, I was jogging regularly; I used to run at Cooper River Park. And even though he promised he would start running, he never did. (I think he just said that to “win me over”) I didn’t get my hopes up if you know what I mean. But running was something that you and I had in common. Do you remember running in a 10k race together through the Philadelphia Zoo in the fall? Jeff was at the finish line with Josh in the stroller. We tackled those winding hills at the end and then we saw the animals! It was hard but very rewarding! (Couldn’t do it now!) I miss running and I know you do too.

Another memory that was important to me is my graduation from Nursing School. I appreciate you coming to my ceremony when my mom got sick. You have always shown kindness and compassion to me and on that day I was glad you were there.

In summary, we both know we have more memories together and I look forward to many more! I have to say that I lucked out when I married Jeff. I was lucky to fall in love with him and his parents as well. You are the best! Have a great birthday!

Love,

Wendy

Shirley and David L.

Well Bob....you are hitting the BIG ONE.......a milestone....and I am following right behind you......

I have been blessed in so many ways in my life....the fact that you manufactured a FABULOUS SON....that married my daughter....and the SIEGEL TREE continues on with Josh!

From the first time I met you and Syl I felt the warmth and genuine caring that David and I have felt throughout the years. I am truly blessed for Wendy loves you both so much and you have taken her to your heart as a daughter. If we were not family, we would still be the best of friends. My only regret is that we live apart.....(you in Paradise..) and time is fleeting so fast.

We always ask what's doing in your world, so you are always in our hearts.

My dear friend .....the BIG ONE is just a number.....we have the best years of our lives ahead of us. You are so respected and loved....a true inspiration...and a man for JOSH to look up to. You are the Patriarch of the family..........our love is with you always.

We are here holding up this end of New Jersey for you. We are looking forward to Josh's Bar Mitzvah and getting our families together once again. Bless you dear friend.........

Shirley and David

Fran D.

Hi Bob,

You came into our family when I was a very young girl, and we loved you from the very beginning. Through the years we have been through the good and the bad, but we have always been there for each other. I want to wish you a very happy, happy 80th birthday and many more to come. I love you like a brother.

Love,

Fran

Marc Y.

I was 12 or 13 when Bobby came to live with us for a short time in Philadelphia after being discharged from the Navy. He had this terrible habit of falling out of bed at night following a nightmare. Although nightmares were pretty common in our household, it was rare for someone to fall out of bed. I was never sure whether it was experiences in the Navy or having to deal with my mother that caused the nightmares. I always felt we should have given him a larger bed.

I missed him when he left as I thought of him as my big brother. Later on I got a call from him as he was setting up a mail-order business. He wanted to use my name and called it "Marc Enterprises" or something like that. We actually sold a few things but it was a no-go. Perhaps an idea before its time.

Many years later he started another business and wanted me to give up my share of the old business. He could save money using the name that was already incorporated. I think I sold him my share for a dollar. I can't say I ever got the dollar and who knows what that dollar would be worth with interest, today. Not to worry, I never use collection agencies, even for my patients who owed me when I left private practice (that's true). No debt exists on the books.

Bobby was always decent, and caring. I guess of the people in the family that I thought about over the years, he would be on the top of the list followed by Janet (her loss devastated me), and then Allen Becker. It's unfortunate that our paths have not crossed much and are relegated to weddings or funerals. Anyway, Bobby is the best and I wish him a happy birthday and please extend my love to the rest of the family.

MJY

Robert Sq.

So many years have gone by since your dad & I palled around that the memories are hazy at best.

We had a lot of good times at the mound -- pinochle on the clubhouse porch was a favorite - pick up ball games - basketball - softball -- your dad enjoyed a tennis match too (something I never got good at).

There were four of us that shared the teen years -- best friends -- and I still feel that bond. One memory that stands out is he "borrowed" his fathers' car a few times when mom and dad were not around. I think he got away with it but perhaps he will set the record straight now that the statute of limitations is long past.

I was honored to be an usher at your mom and dad's wedding. It was a most beautiful ceremony. At the time I thought that if they could live up to the vows they took that day they would have a wonderful life together.

I do want to emphasize one thing about your dad: he is and always was a good man. You could count on him to do the right thing.

Happy Birthday Bob !! As spock would say, LIVE LONG & PROSPER.

RES

Jeff S.

Dad,

How special is a father in a son’s life? Pretty darn special! Your influence is in every cell of my body and my brain. Thank G-d you’re on the good side of “The Force”. Not only did you effect who I am, but you also set the example of how I raise my son. Sometimes, I ask myself “what would Dad do?”.

I could fill a book with memories and feelings but for some reason, one memory is pushing its way to the front. Maybe because this is a perfect illustration of who you are.

When we were kids we had long haired guinea pigs (caves). We started with Herbie and Whiskers. They had many babies, and we loved them all (Full Disclosure: brothers Larry and Lenny cared for them). But one baby wasn’t quite right. Some of its hair was green and it seemed sick and didn’t eat much. Its mother, Whiskers, had cared for all her many babies, but she wasn’t caring for this one. Her instincts told her to save her milk for the healthy babies.

One night I woke up in the wee hours of the morning and saw the light was on downstairs. I went downstairs and found you half awake sitting in a chair with the light on over your head. You had the green haired baby cradled in one arm and a piece of lettuce in your other hand. I asked what was going on. You said you were worried about the baby and stayed up all night waiting for it to eat.

No body else was up. Nobody else asked you to stay up with the baby, and nobody knew what you were up to. I don’t think you were nursing the baby for us kids. I think your nature wouldn’t let you rest while you knew that little creature was in trouble. You stayed up all night hoping you could make a difference and help the shunned baby turn the corner and recover.

Well, unfortunately, that baby wasn’t meant to live. But you still made a difference. You showed me that a strong man can be a gentle, caring, and empathetic man. You showed me that when a cause is right, you do what you can to advance it, even if it seems hopeless and others have given up. You showed me self-sacrifice is the measure of love. And as much as I loved you up to that night, which was an awful lot, watching you nursing that sickly green haired baby guinea pig in the middle of the night I loved you even more.

You made a difference for our family and everyone who takes the time to know you, and you continue to enrich our lives today. I am so lucky to have you as my father.

Have a great, happy, and healthy 80th year. Looking forward to many more wonderful years together.

Happy Birthday Dad,

Jeff

Sylvia and Len G.

Dear Bob:

56 years ago my best friend Sylvia started to date you. After some time she told me she was in love with you and thinks you are the ONE. Well, I had to check you out. Well I did check you out and found out you were the one for her.

I want you to know that when ever Len and I think of You, our friend, we smile with much love in heart. Wishing you a Happy 80th Birthday.

FRIENDS FOR LIFE,

Love,

Sylvia & Len

Venita P.

ROBERT,

It has been said, " The most one can do for a friend is to be a friend." Coincidence does not exist. But for the fact that we moved to Floral Lakes and on the same street, we never would have been blessed with the privilege of your and Honeybunch's friendship.

God Bless, Be well

HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!

Venita

Nick P.

Dear Bob,

I retired, moved 1,300 miles from Clifton N.J. to live in Florida. Here I met a man who spoke the same language that I did in my childhood: pop, poke, youn's, etc.

Bob, you are a man who keeps me up on the past and present of Johnstown. You and Sylvia are true friends and family people who always speak with pride of their three sons. Happy Birthday !!!..Nick

Bob L.

Bob and I went to the same high school (Westmont-Upper-Yoder) and graduated together (class of 1948). We played basketball for the AZA together. Out of the graduating class of 77 students, ten of us were Jewish which was never equaled (percentage-wise) since in that school (Eugene Fram, Bob Lantos, Bob L., Bob S., Sonny Holtzman, Herb Sherer, Jean Kaufman, Phyllis Rabinowitz, Stu Richman, and Ros Romanoff). And, lo and behold, three of us landed up in southern Florida a few miles from each other. Where have 62 years gone? Most of the'48 group are still around!

A hardy "Mazel Tov" to Bob on his 80th and wishes of a healthy future to come!!!

Bob L. (Class of 1948)

Joshua S.

Dear Popop,

I love you as much as a mouse loves cheese. We don't see or talk to each other enough, but I still love you a lot. Happy 80th Birthday!

Love,

Josh

Warren K.

Words cannot express the gratitude that I owe your dad. He introduced me to running not only on pavement but also snow and ice. He encouraged me to concentrate on thinking positive and taking a few minutes each day to meditate about good things. I always considered him an inspiration and think of him often.

Bob, happy birthday and many more!

Sylvia S.

The most precious moments of my life are the day I met you, and then our marriage, and of course our children. Our closeness and happiness are parallel to none.

Our first apartment and then our first home were unbelievably great experiences. Then we had 10 happy years in Cinnaminson. Memories of our other houses, Harrisburg and Willingboro, were so special.

Of course, in between those times three wonderful sons entered our lives; Jeff, Larry, and Lenny. How sacred and precious they are. They have grown to become fine gentlemen and fathers themselves and have given us 5 grandchildren; Samantha, Zach, Josh, Miranda, and Jeremy. They are the light in our lives. We love them dearly.

Bob, you are my everything. And I hope to have many more years ahead of us. I wish you good health and happiness on this, your 80th birthday.

Much love always,

Your wife,

Sylvia

Introduction - Happy Birthday Bob

Following is maybe your most precious birthday gift ever. The acts of love from friends and family. Everyone below has taken the time and effort to send you their personal thoughts on the occasion of your 80th birthday.

As you can see, you are loved and cherished more than you know. Our lives, and those of the countless others who were not available in time for this birthday card, have been enriched by your friendship and positive influence.

Enjoy the thoughts, memories, and feelings of those you've touched.

Followers

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