(IDEX Online) - Martin R. Siegel, chairman of Hamilton Jewelers, passed away on December 17 in Florida.
He was born in Trenton, N.J. and served in the US Army Artillery in Germany in 1953-54. Upon his return from the armed services, he joined his father as the second generation of his family to work at the heritage fine jeweler, Hamilton Jewelers. He was elected president of Hamilton in 1968 and served as chairman from 1994.
He was among the first in the United States to order special Rolex timepieces from Switzerland with rare gem-set cases, bezels, and stone dials for his clientele in Palm Beach.
He loved helping clients celebrate life's moments and it was not uncommon for him to assist a young person looking for an engagement ring, accept no payment and with a handshake, allow the purchaser to leave the store with the ring and make subsequent payments "whenever they could do so."
Siegel was eager to share his stories and experiences with others in the fine jewelry industry, particularly enjoying the chance to attend industry trade shows and events in his later years.
He was also an active philanthropist. Among his many roles, he was a trustee for 18 years at the Helene Fuld Medical Center in Trenton and a board member of The United Savings and Loan Company for 12 years.
In 2003, the State of New Jersey Senate and General Assembly passed a joint legislative resolution honoring Martin for his "meritorious record of service and leadership", citing that 'by his deeds and by his example, he has earned the respect and admiration of all who know him as a man of remarkable character and exceptional determination."
In 2005, the Martin Siegel Community Fund of the Princeton Area Community Foundation was established to commemorate his 50th year at Hamilton Jewelers, in order to benefit local educational, medical, and arts organizations in the region.
A service is planned on Friday December 20 at 2 P.M. at Adath Israel Congregation, in Lawrenceville, New Jersey.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to do so may donate to The Martin Siegel Community Fund of the Princeton Area Community Foundation, or to Greenwood House in Ewing, New Jersey.