Albin J. Sigda '42
Al Sigda died in his hometown of Holyoke, MA, on August 8, 2008.
Al was born, grew up, and attended secondary schools in Holyoke. At Amherst, he majored in French, graduating cum laude, and was a member of the Masquers, the Outing Club, and the Pre-Medical Club.
After graduation, he served in the US Army from 1942 to 1946 as an intelligence specialist. He served in North Africa and Italy, attaining the rank of captain and receiving the Bronze Star. He next attended Columbia Univ., receiving an MBA from the Columbia School of Management in 1948.
In 1950, Al started a lengthy career with the Travelers Insurance Company in Hartford, CT. When he retired in 1983, he was the manager of the public information and advertising department.
In retirement, Al returned to Holyoke, living close to the Wyckoff Country Club where he frequently played golf. He was also a member of the Holyoke Lodge of Elks.
Al never married, but he obviously had a soft spot in his heart for his alma mater. In his submission for our 50th Reunion book, he said, “I’m not a rich man, but compared to the depression we grew up in, I am . . . and Amherst will get much of it.” He was as good as his word, benefiting the College in various ways. He made Amherst the beneficiary of a life insurance policy, an IRA, and an annuity. He also included Amherst in his will, establishing a fund to benefit the College.
Al is survived by an older brother, Harold Sigda ’35; a sister-in-law, Margaret Sigda; and several nieces and nephews.
—Ted Heisler ’42