Ed Segall … A Man to Remember
Ed Segall, who brought patriotism, camaraderie and good times to the Sea Gull’s Nest at Sandy Hook, died Saturday, February 3, at home surrounded by his family. He was 96 years old; Natalie, his wife, died four years ago on February 4
At the funeral service for Ed at Bloomfield Cooper Jewish Chapel in Ocean Monday, the love and respect Ed’s son Scott, daughter, Tina and grandchildren had for Ed was so obvious. Their expressions of love and remembrance were heartwarming and so honest.
But there are so many more of us who know Ed Segall from his SeaGull’s Nest long before there was a Gateway National Recreation Area. Ed opened the Nest in 1962 when Sandy Hook was still part of Sandy Hook State Park. And he operated the most popular restaurant in the area there until Hurricane Sandy wiped out the building and everything Ed had poured into its success. By then it was Gateway National, and despite all his efforts, Ed was never able to re-open the classic restaurant and bar on the beach.
His family said it all at the funeral, but anyone who went to the Sea Gull’s Nest already knew of his great generosity and his even greater patriotism. The son of hardworking Jews who immigrated from Romania, Ed was raised to grow up and appreciate the American Dream. He was taught it would take a lot of work, but America would be generous to him if he worked hard to keep it the great country his parents knew it was.
So, Ed did join the Army, was a paratrooper and served his nation. He did work hard, he also was a fantastic boxer and trainer, and he ran a trucking business until he became a concessionaire and garnered the license to open his concession on Sandy Hook.
In 1991, where there was an awful accidental fire at the Sea Gull’s Nest and Ed rushed in to save another person; he was severely burned himself and spent long days and weeks at St. Barnabas Burn Center in Livingston. When they saved his life, his first thought was to spend the rest of his life thanking them. And he did, running so many fund-raising events with a mandate that it provide the funds for youngsters treated at St. Barnabas for burn injuries also got to go to camp in the summer.
But it was the patriotism Ed showed on a daily basis that all will remember. When the nation was in Desert Storm, it was Ed Segall who called in a few friends and staged the greatest Beach and Nest event for the returning soldiers that drew thousands. It was so appreciated by the military that during the event, at least one of the planes with the soldiers flying home flew over Sandy Hook. The Highlands Fire Department even hung a yellow ribbon around the lighthouse to observe the event.
That patriotism was a hallmark at Sea Gull’s Nest was evident. Everyone had to stand and salute the American flag and sing God Bless America or quite simply, was politely asked to leave. It was the place where Ed would point out the ships docked at Naval Weapons Earle across the bay in Leonardo and remind everyone enjoying their music and libations it is because of those men and women on the ship that they had the freedom to enjoy their days and evenings at the Sea Gull’s Nest. There was the night the Captain on one of those ships went back to the ship and blinked his lights in appreciation of the patriotism shown his fleet.
Ed’s son Scott and daughter, Tina, spoke lovingly at the funeral service, but it was his late son Barry’s children, Ed’s grandchildren, who gave even more insight into the type of generous person he was. Barry died while his three children were young, and Pop Segall did for them all the things their dad could not. Today the family said that Ed Segall taught his way of life…how to raise a family.
There is no more Sea Gull’s Nest, no more nightly Pledge to the Flag and lusty rendition of God Bless America. But there will always be a smiling Ed Segall reminding his thousands of guests at the Nest just how great a country the United States is.
The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, contributions in Ed’s name could be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. It’s what Ed would do.
