In Memoriam

Paul Martin Spiegel

October 7, 2021

Paul passed away December 22, 2020. Below are his obituary as well as his essay published in our 50th Reunion Class Book.

Obituary

Paul Spiegel
1964 graduation

On Tuesday, December 22, 2020, Paul M. Spiegel (BS ‘63, JD ‘66) passed away at the age of 78. Paul is survived by his wife, Erica; his second wife Taru and their daughter Aila; his first wife Chara and their daughter Melina; and his brother, Mark Spiegel (also an Eli, ‘70 BFA, ‘71 MFA). He is also survived by two grandchildren, Adrian and Gabriel. The cause of death was complications from valve-replacement surgery.

Paul was born in New York on June 7, 1942 to Ben and Lena ("Lee") Spiegel. He obtained a BA in Political Science from Yale University, a law degree from Yale Law School, and a Ph.D. from UC Berkeley. After an initial interest in biological research, he devoted his career to public service focusing on health legislation for the Department of Health and Human Services. Gifted in language acquisition, he was proficient in Finnish, German, Greek, and Latin. While Paul’s intellect and professional accomplishments were impactful, it was his careful nurturing of personal relationships that set him apart. He had a wonderfully loving and non-judgmental approach to parenting and grandparenting.

Paul Spiegel
in 2014

Paul had many eclectic interests, of which his most beloved included philately, vexillology, and most recently, ballroom dancing. He was exceedingly proud to still fit into the tuxedo he wore to his high-school graduation. He loved to experience new cultures, especially the food. Paul was a master of "dad jokes" and no one could beat him at napping with cats. 

No funeral or service will be held, but the family greatly appreciates any memories, photographs, writings, or stories about Paul, which may be sent to Green94705@gmail.com.

Essay, written on the occasion of our 50th reunion

by Paul Spiegel in 2014

I’ve been fortunate to have a good life. Two previous marriages that, looking back, had wonderful times. Two children and two grandchildren with whom I’m close. Recently I married a caring and warm woman from Barbados with whom I plan to spend the rest of my allotted time. An interesting career where at least I did little harm and maybe some good. The opportunity to keep learning and experience many things. An enjoyable retirement, with much ballroom dancing. And, so far, good health.

I’m pessimistic about the broader picture. The U.S. seems to be moving backward. We’re debating issues that have long since been settled in most development  countries. Our world as a whole still has too much inequality in resources. And we may be destroying our planet. From my biology studies I keep thinking of a Petri dish, in which the culture eats up all the medium and then dies. I can only hope it doesn’t come to this. I’d love to believe that some great outside power will save and protect us, but I’m afraid that we have to save ourselves.