RE LOG Spring '25

66 Ransom Everglades LOG SPRING 2025 In Loving Memory Gregory Marshall Siegler, known as “Greg” or “Mr. Siegler,” passed away Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025, in Miami after a yearlong struggle with pancreatic cancer. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1952 to Joseph and Charlotte Siegler, Greg attended Northwestern, The Ohio State University and Florida International University, earning a BA and MA in education. For six years in the early ’80s, he founded and taught first grade at The Siegler School, an innovative elementary school. In 1987, Greg started his career at Ransom Everglades School where he taught mathematics and computer science and was Dean of Students and Director of Student Activities. He also engineered some 80 student dances, dozens of field trips, volunteer service events, spirit weeks and served as summer camp director and de facto middle school photographer. “Thank you, Mr. Siegler, for making us laugh and enjoy not just math, but every day of middle school,” RE faculty member Cathi Leibinger said in the dedication for the 2023-24 middle school yearbook. “We are forever grateful to have such an amazing kid-at-heart working at RE.” Greg wore whimsical neckties, planned events with an enthusiastic team of “work wives” and put his students first, showing endless energy and creativity. In 2022, he described his approach to teaching: “Middle schoolers need to laugh and enjoy math class,” he said. “They are going to do well and not do well. They are going to have all levels of ability. The material is just the material, and even the approach is just the approach, but the rapport is what gets us all through the demanding days.” When he retired in 2024, he was named an RE Faculty Emeritus. Greg was more than just a teacher, father, grandfather, husband and friend; he was a source of kindness, wisdom, and inspiration to everyone who knew him. The impact of his 46- year teaching career will live on among the thousands of students he educated. “Greg held many titles and taught countless math and computer science classes, but he will be best remembered as the ultimate master of middle school fun,” wrote RE Head of School Rachel Rodriguez, who worked closely with him during her years at Head of the Middle School. “Greg believed learning was best accomplished with laughter and smiles, and his joy-filled approaches and child- centered strategies earned the devotion of students and respect of peers.” Greg is survived by his wife of 48 years, Naomi Siegler, and children, Saroj Siegler Quinn ’99 (Sean) and Max Siegler ’07 . A Celebration of Life was held on February 21 at Ransom Everglades Middle School. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Ransom Everglades in Greg’s honor. ‘Master of Middle School Fun’ Greg Siegler left his mark on RE during 37 fun-filled years