From the NLG Military Law Task Force: The MLTF is saddened to announce the death of long-time Task Force member Jeff Segal. A long-time Guild activist, Jeff joined the Task Force steering committee during the 1980’s, serving as our treasurer for many years. He brought keen political insights and a strong class perspective to our work, and he will be greatly missed. The following obituary was written by Jeff’s friends and family.
LOUISVILLE, KY – Jeffrey “Jeff” Segal, 76, passed away at home April 9, 2018. Jeff was born June 25, 1941, in Chicago, IL. He received a B.A. from Roosevelt University in 1964 and a J.D. from Rutgers University School of Law in Newark NJ in 1977. He was politically active in college, including leadership in the Students for a Democratic Society in Berkeley CA. His protests against the Vietnam War resulted in him and six others (the Oakland 7) being charged with, but found not-guilty of, conspiracy to commit misdemeanors, a felony. Later, Jeff served 27 months in federal prison for draft resistance. Upon his release, he went to law school and began his long career championing labor rights and justice for disadvantaged people.
In 1978, Jeff became a founding member of the National Organization of Legal Services Workers (NOLSW), UAW Local 2320. He wrote NOLSW’s original constitution and bylaws, and chaired the founding convention. He served in numerous positions nationally, regionally and locally over the course of more than 30 years of active membership. Jeff came to Louisville in 1981 to work as an attorney in the Community Development Unit at the Legal Aid Society. While there, he served many years as president of the local Legal Aid Workers Union (LAWU). Upon retirement from Legal Aid in 2008, Jeff continued to provide legal assistance to community groups working for social and economic justice.
Jeff was preceded in death by his mother, Mildred Lavin Segal, and his father, Max Segal, who were living in Los Gatos, CA when they died. Jeff is survived by his two brothers, Perry Segal, of San Jose, CA and Alan K. Segal, and his husband, Jerry Solomon, of Santa Cruz, CA.
A memorial and reception was held Sat., July 7, at the Louisville Urban League. We comforted each other, shared stories, and jointly honor Jeffed and his remarkable life. Memorial gifts may be made to a charity or organization that honors what Jeff meant to you. For more information, www.facebook.com/jeffrey.segal.71. ■