It is with great sorrow and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of an amazing man, our father, Daniel Zeligson, who lived a long and happy life and left an indelible mark on the world and our lives. He was born into the challenges of the Great Depression on Groundhog Day, February 2, 1930. As a child, he would often sell hot dogs or peanuts at the late, great Cleveland Municipal Stadium. Or deliver the Cleveland Press or the Plain Dealer to earn money. He was discharged from the Army in 1949 and returned to the streets of Cleveland with nothing but determination, resilience and grit. He worked his own way through college by running a milling machine at night at Parker Appliance and going to school during the day, earning a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Western Reserve University. Dan was very proud to be a life long Mason. He eventually became a highly successful insurance agent and it was another source of pride to have achieved the premier designation of CPCU, which is considered a Master’s Degree of Insurance and is held by only 3% of insurance executives across the industry. He ultimately started Zeligson Insurance, while simultaneously building a prolific residential real estate management company, before eventually retiring to Florida at age 88.
Dan and Judy loved to travel and spent their golden years circling the globe and making lifelong friends along the way.
Dan was an old fashioned self-made man; embodying the spirit of family, hard work, perseverance and balls. His journey led him to a life of exceptional success, but his greatest achievements were the love-filled times he shared with his devoted wife of more than 70 years, Judy, and the joyous moments he spent with their three children, ten grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren.
Upon retirement, our dad continued to exemplify the spirit of generosity that defined his character. He dedicated his time to teaching inner-city children the gift of reading, leaving a tangible and positive impact on their futures. Additionally, his compassionate nature shone through as he, at age 90 himself, volunteered at the VA hospital, tirelessly driving disabled veterans to their appointments.
His legacy is one of honesty, love, compassion, and giving. Dad was not only a provider but a pillar of strength and support, earning the love and admiration of his family. His credo was that you have everything to gain by treating people with dignity and respect in business and in life in general.
He was not an alcoholic but he always carried a copy of The Serenity Prayer in his wallet.
“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
Though he may have left this world, his memory will forever live on in the countless lives he touched and the lessons he imparted to all of us.
May he rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the love that he so generously shared during his time with us.
Dan was predeceased in 2024 by his wife of 71 years, Judith; children, Debra, Lauren (Dr. Donn) and Ronald (Robin); grandchildren, Daryl, Michael, Heather, Shana, Brandon, Peggy and William; and 11 great-grandchildren who will forever cherish his memory.
Graveside services were held February 23, 2025, at Ponte Vedra Valley Cemetery in Florida.
In lieu of flowers, friends who wish may donate to Chabad of St. John’s County (jewishsjohnscounty.com) or Community Hospice and Palliative Care (communityhospice.com).
