David Siegel, Timeshare Mogul and Philanthropist, Passes Away at 89

ORLANDO, Fla. – David Siegel, the founder of Westgate Resorts and a prominent timeshare mogul, has died at the age of 89. His passing occurred on Saturday morning, as confirmed in an email sent to employees by Westgate Resorts.

The email noted that Siegel spent his final months surrounded by family and friends. “Throughout his life, as well as in his last years, David’s passion for our company, our industry and the hospitality we create was always at the forefront of his mind,” it stated.

Siegel established Westgate Resorts in 1982, starting from humble beginnings in his garage. Over the past four decades, he expanded the company into a major player in the hospitality industry, with locations stretching across Florida from Orlando to Miami Beach, and extending into Tennessee, Utah, Nevada, Virginia, Missouri, Mississippi, and Arizona. His empire includes more than 13,500 rooms housed in 22 resorts throughout the United States.

As the largest private employer in Central Florida, Siegel’s imprint on the region was substantial. Recently, he announced plans for a significant expansion of more than 44 resort destinations this year, following the acquisition of Vacation Ownership Sales, the management and development company of VI Resorts.

Siegel and his wife, Jackie, founded the Victoria Siegel Foundation after the tragic loss of their 18-year-old daughter, Victoria, to an accidental drug overdose. Established to provide education and addiction-prevention resources, the foundation aims to support communities and at-risk families.

In recognition of the ongoing opioid crisis, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed SB 66 in 2024, which designates June 6 as “Revive Awareness Day.” This initiative encourages the state’s health department to conduct events aimed at raising awareness about safe opioid use and the dangers of overdoses. The Siegels have been active advocates for federal legislation like the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2016 and played a role in having June 6 declared as “National Naloxone Awareness Day.”

David Siegel Jr. remarked on the family’s commitment to awareness and prevention efforts: “She’d be very proud of the work our parents have done and the work we’ve done spreading the awareness because every single life matters.”

Beyond his business accomplishments, Siegel was a dedicated Army veteran who generously donated over 28,000 complimentary vacations to members of the armed services as a token of appreciation for their service. The Westgate Foundation also granted $1.5 million to community-focused organizations nationwide.

Siegel is survived by his wife, Jacqueline, and their 13 children, along with 12 grandchildren and step-grandchildren. He leaves behind a legacy of entrepreneurship and philanthropy, having created thousands of jobs, including for the 8,500 team members currently employed at Westgate Resorts.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Victoria Siegel Foundation.