Michael Charles Siegfried, age 81, passed away peacefully in his Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania home on January 3, 2023. His last Christmas was spent in the company of his family, taking rides through the countryside, watching home movies, and sitting around the Christmas tree.

He was born in Philadelphia to Noble Ralph Siegfried and Mary Elizabeth Meyer and raised in Havertown and Springfield, Delaware County, Pennsylvania. After graduating from Springfield High School in 1959, he attended Pennsylvania Military College (Widener University) and graduated with a degree in mathematics. He was also a U.S. Marine Reservist. He worked as a financial analyst at CIGNA for over 30 years before retiring in 1997.

Michael met his future wife, Jacqueline Morris, while they were in high school. They remained married for 55 years. He and Jackie had a close knit group of high school friends, all high school sweethearts, whom they remained close with throughout the years. Many memories were made with the Osbornes, Girvins, and Birds.

Michael and Jackie have spent the better part of the last 20 years traveling. Among travels to visit family, they traveled through 41 states, 5 Canadian provinces and ventured into Europe for an unforgettable river cruise tour through Switzerland, France, and the Netherlands. As his health declined, trips became more limited to their beloved beach cottage in Lewes, Delaware. Jackie lovingly cared for Michael until the very end, using skills that she maintained as a nurse as well as a loving spouse.

Michael remained close to his brother John Barton Siegfried and sister Nancy Siegfried Hansen throughout his lifetime. Sister Nancy was his favorite living room spectator for Eagles games and recently dedicated time helping him document the particulars of his extensive toy Hess truck collection. The siblings gathered often for birthdays and holidays, and occasionally combined to make music with John on the piano, Nancy singing, and Mike on the clarinet or sax.

Michael was a talented musician who played clarinet and saxophone in various musical groups including the West Chester Community Concert Band and the West Chester Swing Kings. He wasn't shy about being a soloist, often shimmying his shoulders along with the spirited tunes of the Swing Kings. Other hobbies included riding his bike, driving, making homemade applesauce, anything cars, soduku, and cooking the perfect egg. He bonded with his son Jim over their shared love of music and they attended countless car shows together. He loved driving his coveted minivan all the way up to New Hampshire to visit his daughter, Janet, her husband Nathan, and grandkids, Brett and Samantha. He spent many white Christmases in New Hampshire.

Among so many other things, the world will miss Michael's genuine sense of humor, his ease in making conversation, his beautiful music, and his loyalty to family and lifelong friendships. After his passing, he wanted us to find joy in remembering our past times together. Remember him while listening to a Big Band style song, during a long meandering drive or bike ride through the country, or in a simple conversation about old times, travels, or cars.

Michael is survived by his wife Jacqueline Morris Siegfried, daughter, Janet Siegfried Simmons (Nathan E. Simmons), grandchildren, Brett Tyler Simmons and Samantha Kate Simmons, son James Michael Siegfried, sister Nancy Siegfried Hansen, brother John B. Siegfried (Dorothy), In laws Donald Morris (Joan McKnelly), Lynn (Morris) Lambertson (Barry) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Arrangements: Burial will be private. A celebration of life is being planned for a future date.  In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Michael can be made to any of the following charities: Marine Toys for Tots, The Michael J. Fox Foundation, or the American Cancer Society.