Richard Field Seegal transmuted to the ultimate neurotoxicology lab beyond on July 24, 2026, after living with the cruel irony frontotemporal dementia for many years. Born on February 13, 1945, in Newport, Rhode Island, Rich loved the water. He bought his first boat at 14, using bar mitzvah money and help from his father, paying for gas for his boat by teaching water skiing lessons. Rich often regaled family and friends with stories about his time as a lifeguard at Second Beach in Newport, RI, some of which were not suitable for young audiences. He also enjoyed reminiscing about adventures spearfishing.

After graduating from Brown University in 1966, he attended Emory University for his masters studies and the University of Georgia for his doctoral work, where he met the first love of his life, Ann Goble. After earning the Ph.D., he completed a post-doc at the University of Connecticut at Storrs. Subsequently, he found his way to the Wadsworth Center, a premier research center, in Albany, New York. Ultimately, he ran his own lab for 38 years researching PCBs and their effect on sex differences, which did not endear him to General Electric in Schenectady, NY.

Along the way, he became an internationally respected research scientist, with friends and colleagues around the world. He was also known, although not always appreciated, for his attempt at accents, puns, and Dad jokes.

After suffering a seizure in the early 1980’s, Rich began swimming regularly, continuing until his death. Among other hobbies, Rich gardened. He and Ann kept a large garden for many years. Rich also became an accomplished cook. While he was known for many different dishes, no one ever turned down a dinner invitation that included his homemade pizza and hummus. 

In 1994, Rich and Ann bought a camp on Schroon Lake, New York, where they created many memories and made many good friends.

After the untimely death of his first wife, Rich met and married Donna Prescott, the second love of his life. (They both kept their maiden names.) Soon after they met on Match.com, a friend remarked that the pair were like two peas in a pod. Thereafter, “Peapod” was a loving nickname they shared.

In 2013, Rich and Donna took a magical “blue highways” road trip down the east coast, which ultimately led them to Folly Beach, South Carolina, where they spent winters since 2016 and established a community.

Rich is survived by his second wife, Donna Denise Prescott; a brother, Robert Howard Seegal; a daughter, Judith Amy Kutell (Ben); a son, David Louis Seegal (Brieshen McKee); grandchildren Jonah Kutell, Ethan Kutell, Haskel McKee Seegal, and Mariana McKee Seegal. His first wife’s sister, Betty Earl Cooper and brother, Dan Goble, also survive him. Donna’s daughter, Laura Morris (Jim Miller) and grandsons, Charles Miller and Michael Miller, survive him, as well, as do many friends from over the decades who nurtured Rich. Frida the Cat survives him. Rich’s favorite joke also survives him, the punch line of which is “You can’t hear a vitamin.”

Those who moved to other realms before Rich include his parents Jacob and Molly Seegal, and his first wife, Ann Goble Seegal. Rich’s best friend in nose-picking of over 50 years, Fred Batzold, also transitioned before him.

The family wishes to express profound gratitude to the staff at Memory Care at the Glen for their devoted and compassionate care.

Rich will be cremated, with services held at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to the Glen at Hiland Meadows Memory Care, 48 Longview Dr, Queensbury, NY, 12804; or to the Open Door Mission Food Pantry, 226 Warren St, Glens Falls, NY, 12801.

Arrangements are under the care of Regan Denny Stafford Funeral Home, 53 Quaker Rd., Queensbury, NY 12804. Those who wish may make online condolences at sbfuneralhome.com