Bruce Sieben
October 5, 1943 - July 12, 2025
Bruce Sieben was born October 5, 1943 to parents Leo and Ethel (nee Hoffman) Sieben in San Luis Obispo, CA. Bruce has been married to Donna Taffin-Sieben for 26 years. Bruce is survived by his 3 children – Chris Sieben, Jeff Sieben, and Jeanne McFadden. His daughter, Elizabeth Sieben, had predeceased her father. He has 3 sisters, Phyllis Straff (Ronald), Margaret Allavoine (Gerard), and Lynn Sieben-Bremer (Michael).
He has 8 grandchildren; and 7 nieces and nephews.
He grew up in Chicago and attended St. Angeles grade school. He then attended St. Patrick High School and went on to St. Mary’s University in Winona, MN. Bruce’s father and uncles owned and operated the well-known Sieben’s Brewery on Larrabee St. in Chicago, IL.
While in Chicago, Bruce worked for IBM as a Systems engineer. Then he was offered a position with Merrill Lynch where he rose to First Vice President of Telecommunications and Information Services in New York City.
Bruce was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1999. Bruce kept active and left corporate life to volunteer with the Master Gardeners program of Rutgers cooperative extension in NJ. He built database for the volunteers to pull information on various subjects which aided in reducing time searching for information. The database is still being used today.
Bruce was an avid train enthusiast, with a particular love for Garden Trains. What began as a hobby, turned into something truly magical in our NJ backyard. From bare ground, he brought to life a garden masterpiece. Every stone, every flower, every tiny house and winding tunnel was placed with care. A gentle waterfall, and among the blooms and greenery, G Scale locomotives traced the paths of his dreams. He would spend hours out there – tinkering, planting, adjusting tracks, and making sure every detail was just right.
Bruce’s love for gardening mirrored his approach to life: patient, nurturing, and ever-curious. Whether coaxing blooms from stubborn soil or designing intricate model train layouts that wound gracefully through his backyard, he brought meticulous care and quiet delight to all he touched. Friends recall afternoons spent in lively conversation among the flower beds, where Bruce’s wit and generosity flourished as brightly as his desires. His legacy is seen in the flourishing gardens he tended, and in the gentle wisdom he shared with fellow volunteers and neighbors alike.
Children and adults alike were drawn in by its charm. Neighbors would often stop by to marvel at his work, and he loved sharing stories about the engines, the scenery, and the joy it brought him.
Though the trains may rest now, the tracks he laid – in our garden and in our hearts – will forever remain.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 6 pm until 8 pm on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 275 E. Main Street, Middletown, DE. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, July 18, 2025, at 11 am at St. Joseph R.C. Church, 371 E. Main Street, Middletown, DE. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery, 6001 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Bruce’s memory to Johns Hopkins, Department of Neurology, 550 N. Broadway, Suite 731, Baltimore, MD 21205 or online by clicking here; or Humane Animal Partners, 455 Stanton Christiana Rd, Newark, DE 19713 or online by clicking here.
Stacy and Rich Mayer
Donna and family- we are so sad ti hear of Bruce’s passing. May he rest in peace. Your kindness ti our children, and your magical backyard will never be forgotten, and was a great inspiration to our family. Much love to you-
Barbara Koss and Paul Joly
Our best wishes to the entire Sieben family. Lots of ML memories from many years.
Denise Wenig
The Wenig Family sends their most heartfelt condolences on the loss of Uncle Bruce. We are thinking of you during this difficult time with love and light. Denise, Bill, Aidan, Alea, Christian, Devan and Gabriella Wenig
Peggy Allavoine
Goodbye and bon voyage to an excellent big brother
Gerard Allavoine
After 55 years of knowing Bruce, who was my best man at my wedding with Peg. I will keep a vivid memory of him in my heart.
Janice & John
Will miss you Bruce… you and I knew the “oldies”; we could name them as soon as we heard the first few notes. You loved Donna as well as all the “pooches” that you shared through your years together. Your prowess at gardening and your vast knowledge and ability to create and operate your model train collection were testimonies to your extraordinary intelligence. Most of all, you were fun to be with – we will always remember and love you. Janice & John
Jeff & Family
We’re grateful for the care and love you have given Dad, Donna. After so many years fighting Parkinson’s and this cancer too, now you can rest Dad.
Kate Long & Family
We were sorry to hear the news about Uncle Bruce. Our hearts and thoughts are with his family, friends and all who love and miss him during this time. Sending our sincere condolences.