Richard Siegmund

Richard Siegmund (Opa), beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on April 6, 2023 in Gilbert, AZ at the age of 83. Richard was born April 3, 1940 in Ebental, Gottschee, Slovenia to Josef and Brigitte (Janesch) Siegmund, older brother to sisters Hedwig and Brigitte. After moving several times in Europe, his family immigrated from Graz, Austria to Ridgewood Queens, NY in 1955. Richard met his wife Martha (Petsche) at a wedding at the Gottscheer Hall in 1960 where he asked her to dance. They were married November 21, 1964 and celebrated 58 years together. In 1967 they moved to Wappingers Falls, NY to raise their three children. 

Richard began his professional career as a Tool & Die maker (Swingline and IBM) and while working full time at IBM earned a 4 year degree in Finance from Marist College at the age of 40.  He then worked in various positions in finance and finance management at IBM followed by a shorter time at Netscape. 

An important part of Richard and Martha’s life was attending a Marriage Encounter group with other married couples who are now celebrating their 50th year together.  They also regularly attended St. Mary’s and Mt. Alvernia churches in Wappingers Falls.

With family, friends and individually, Richard’s passions included  hiking, camping, fishing and skiing. He was disciplined about healthy eating and fitness and continued water and snow skiing into his 70’s.  He especially enjoyed landscaping his yard and progressed from push mowers to riding tractor and finally a Scag that he used to keep up his yard and neighbor yards. He always planted gardens and the homegrown vegetables were always a treat!

In his retirement years, Richard took up watercolor painting which he entered and won awards for at the Dutchess County Fair. Richard enjoyed Martha’s amazing cooking and said his favorite meal of hers was breakfast, lunch and dinner. They enjoyed polka dancing at Germania and attending Gottscheer festivals with close friends and family. 

Richard and Martha lived in the Hudson Valley for 57 years before moving to sunny Gilbert, AZ in July, 2022 to live near their children. Richard touched many lives, and will be remembered for his humor, determination, work ethic, assorted collections and love of friends and family. He was also a great friend to the neighborhood dogs who loved the treats he’d carry with him on daily walks. 

Richard is survived by his loving wife Martha, son Rich (Evelyn) Siegmund of Austin, TX, daughter Debby (Alan) Russell of Cary, NC, daughter Linda (Marty) Boardman of Gilbert, AZ, sister Hedwig (Norbert) Koenig, sister Brigitte (Kevin) Williamson, as well as 6 grandchildren he adored: Kaitlyn, Marly, Brian, Julia, Allyson and Audrey, and numerous nephews and nieces. Richard is preceded in death by his parents (Josef and Brigitte), several aunts, uncles and friends. We know he is delighted to be reunited with them and certainly doing some polkas. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. 

If you would like to make a contribution in Richard’s memory, please consider the Parkinson Voice Project or the Parkinson’s Foundation or a charity of your choice.