Our Tribute to RP Siegel, 1952-2021

We here at TriplePundit are saddened to learn about the passing of RP Siegel, who unexpectedly died on September 25. RP (also known as Rob or Bob) was a longtime contributor to 3p, and his work is among the reasons this publication emerged among the leading news sites that focus on sustainability.

Born in Teaneck, New Jersey, RP’s adopted hometown eventually became Rochester, New York (shown above). He was a proud resident and was very active in local affairs. As he shared with us during a media trip to Abu Dhabi several years ago, his many achievements included being a runner-up in a New Yorker cartoon contest. Other accomplishments about which he was less verbose included his impressive career as an engineer, which made its mark with more than 40 patents that he filed as an inventor.

In addition to 3p, RP was a prolific contributor to publications including Design News, Huffington Post, Mechanical Engineering, Just Means and Green Biz. RP also wrote three books, which included the environmental thriller, Vapor Trails, (available on Amazon!), written with his close friend and fellow environmentalist, Roger Saillant.

We will especially remember RP for one of his most timeless contributions to 3p, his 2012-2013 series Energy Options: Pros and Cons. Completed almost a decade ago, these articles include discussions about energy sources, including the pros and cons of clean coal, natural gas, solar and tidal power. Based on the fact that these articles still rank amongst the most read on 3p - in the 16 years since 3p first appeared online -  we suspect that many students, along with those new to the very concept of sustainability, owe their fair share of gratitude to RP as well.

Those close to RP have requested that anyone wishing to make a donation in his memory consider contributing to the The Nature Conservancy (earmarked for the 1000 Acre Swamp), 274 N. Goodman St., Suite B261, Rochester, NY 14607, or do so on the nonprofit’s website.

More about RP’s life and legacy can be read here.

Image credit: Yassine Khalfalli via Unsplash