Obituary of Bernard Segel

Bernard "Bernie" A. Segel, 84, of Niskayuna, NY and Grenelefe, FL, passed away at Ellis Hospital on April 5, 2011, after a long illness. Born in Schenectady, NY, he was a son of Charles L. and Bertha Segel. Bernie received his education from Mont Pleasant High School, and completed his undergraduate and graduate studies at the Wharton School of Finance, University of Pennsylvania, and the NYU School of Finance. He spent his entire career in finance, retiring in 2001 as a senior vice president with Smith Barney. Bernie served in the United States Navy during WWII on the destroyer USS Coffman in the North Atlantic as a radar specialist. He was an avid golfer and was a member of the Shaker Ridge Country Club for 35 years, and a member of the Mohawk Golf Club for over 28 years. Bernie also enjoyed hunting in the Adirondacks and British Columbia, Canada. At midlife, he became interested in self defense and joined the Okinawa School of Karate where he earned his 2nd degree black belt with the help of his instructor and friend, Jack Herb. He was a member and former board member of the Congregation Gates of Heaven, and also a former board member for the Niskayuna Kiwanis and Shaker Ridge Country Club. He wrote a monthly newsletter for many years for Annie Shafer Senior Center and served as board of directors for 15 years. He is survived by his loving wife, Kay-Ellen (Kay) of Niskayuna, NY; a son, Richard Segel (Rita) of Triveton, RI; a daughter, Kathy Segel of Palmetto Bay, FL; a step-daughter, Carol Ann McNally of W. Lafayette, IN, and three grandchildren. The family would like to acknowledge Kingsway Arms Nursing Center for their special care and dedicated staff during Bernie's last nine months of life. Services will be held, Friday at 2 p.m. at the Congregation Gates of Heaven, 852 Ashmore Ave., Schenectady, NY; interment following the services. The family will receive visitors at the Segel home after the burial. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Congregation Gates of Heaven Rabbi's Discretionary Fund or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements are by the Daly Funeral Home, Inc. Schenectady, NY.