David Siegel, Founder of Westgate Resorts, Passes Away at 89 – One America News Network
OAN Staff Abril Elfi
4:50 PM – Sunday, April 6, 2025
Billionaire David Siegel, the founder of Westgate Resorts, has passed away at the age of 89.
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In an email to employees, Westgate Resorts confirmed that Siegel died on Saturday morning.
The company’s statement highlighted that “David never ceased to dream big.”
“His entrepreneurial spirit, unwavering determination, and belief in the American dream played a pivotal role in establishing one of the most recognizable hospitality brands in the nation.”
As reported by the Las Vegas Journal-Review, Siegel had been undergoing treatment for cancer.
Jackie Siegel, star of “Queen of Versailles” and David’s wife, addressed his passing through a heartfelt social media post.
“I was fortunate to share twenty-five wonderful years with David and together we raised eight amazing children,” Jackie wrote alongside a picture of them cutting their wedding cake.
“His life and legacy will continue through them all,” she added.
“To say we are heartbroken is an understatement. However, I take comfort in knowing that Victoria was there to welcome him; the first thing he heard was ‘Dad,’ followed by an embrace,” Jackie shared, referring to their daughter who tragically passed away from a drug overdose in 2015 and whom David adopted.
“And of course, Steven is there too,” Jackie mentioned, speaking of her husband’s late son. “That thought brings me so much solace.”
As noted in the statement, Siegel, a veteran of the Air Force, established his successful timeshare company in Kissimmee, Florida, in 1982. He transformed it into the largest privately held timeshare firm in the world and a significant employer in central Florida.
The timeshare enterprise includes over 13,500 rooms across 22 resorts in the U.S., making his company one of the leading resort developers nationwide. He was also the owner of one of Las Vegas’ iconic hotels, the Westgate Las Vegas.
Siegel was recognized not only for his business acumen but also for his philanthropic efforts and advocacy for addiction awareness, which became increasingly significant after Victoria’s fatal methadone overdose.
“He founded the Victoria’s Voice Foundation in memory of Victoria and passionately advocated for the widespread availability of Naloxone, engaging with Congress and raising awareness on this critical issue,” the Westgate Resorts statement read.
Naloxone is a nasal spray that reverses opioid overdose effects. Siegel founded his organization to promote the distribution of this life-saving drug.
“When [Victoria] overdosed, she was still conscious,” Siegel told the Journal-Review in 2019. “By the time she reached the hospital, it was too late. I strongly believe that if a family has a child who might be experimenting with drugs, they should have Narcan available in their homes.”
Siegel is survived by his wife, nine children, two stepdaughters, twelve grandchildren and step-grandchildren, as well as his brother Barry.
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