Emil Seglias

Emil Seglias, 86, retired executive chef of the Bethlehem Steel Company, died of lung and organ failure February 26, 2008 at the Fox Subacute Center, Warrington, PA. He was surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Seglias was born and raised in Domat-Ems, Switzerland. At age 16, he left Domat-Ems to begin his apprenticeship in various hotels throughout Switzerland, including stops in Zurich, St Moritz, and Lugano. He eventually earned the prestigious culinary designation of Le Toque Noir (chef’s black hat). After WWII, Mr. Seglias left Europe and moved to Palestine, later Israel, to work in Tel Aviv and in Jerusalem. He eventually became chef at the world famous King David Hotel in Jerusalem, where he regularly oversaw and prepared state dinners for foreign dignitaries and Israeli Prime Ministers Golda Meir and David Ben Gurion. In 1954, Mr. Seglias left Israel and went to work for the Holland-American cruise line. During his time with Holland-America, he was chef on their two largest cruise ships, the Rotterdam and the New Amsterdam and made several world cruises stopping at major ports throughout Asia, Africa, South American and Europe. In 1956, he married his devoted wife of 51 years, Cornelia, and moved to the United States in 1958. Before settling in Bethlehem, Mr. Seglias worked in California and Florida. In 1962, he was recruited by the Bethlehem Steel Company to serve as the executive chef and kitchen manager, where he oversaw daily food preparation from company cafeterias to the executive dining rooms until his retirement in 1983. During his time with the Bethlehem Steel, he also oversaw virtually all company executive special events and was considered by many the finest chef in the Lehigh Valley during his career here. Following his retirement he lived quietly in Saucon Valley and spent his retirement years traveling and as an adoring grandfather to his four grandchildren. Surviving: wife, Cornelia; son Edward, of Malvern, PA; daughter, Margot, of Quakertown; grandchildren, Cameron, Alexandra, Taylor, and Sydnie; and a sister, Heidi, of Rotterdam, Holland Services will be private. The Falk Funeral Homes & Crematory, Hellertown, is in charge of arrangements. On-line condolences may be offered at www.falkfuneralhomes.com.