Bruce J. Sibley 1934-2021

Bruce Joel Sibley was born April 14, 1934, in Youngstown, to Willie Frank Sibley Sr. and the former Josephine P. McKinney. He was a 1952 graduate of South High School and afterwards attended Central State University in Wilberforce, where Bruce played both basketball and baseball and became a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Bruce was later drafted into the Navy at the beginning of the Vietnam War, and after completing his tour of service, returned to Youngstown and attended Youngstown College and worked for the Western Southern Insurance Company.

Bruce relocated to the Southern California area, where he worked at the Hughes Aircraft Company and the Sinclair Paint Company.

Bruce was a die-hard Los Angeles Dodgers fan and loved to talk sports with anyone willing to listen. He also enjoyed entertaining others with stories of his many adventures he had throughout the years, along with telling his famous bad jokes. Bruce’s friendship and presence will be forever missed by all.

Bruce leaves to mourn his passing his sons, Bruce J. Barnwell of San Jose, Calif., and Berry J. Sibley (Cassandra) of Bossier City, La.; a brother, Dr. Willie Frank Sibley Jr. (Mary) of Los Angeles, Calif.; along with grandchildren, Brittany, Brandon, Zenita and Courtney; grandaughter by love, Crystal Snell A.K.A Keiko; great-grandchildren, Braylen, Kadyn, William, Cameron and Ishan; and a host of nieces, nephews and lifelong friends, including Tim Tucker, Charles Phillips, Curtis Battles and the Morgan family. He also leaves his loving companion and best friend of over 42 years, Ms. Sharon Snell, and her family will mourn his loss as well and writes, “It’s not easy when we lose someone who is very dear to us, but unfortunately it’s the law of life. Let us pray that the earth will be a light for Bruce and that his soul will rest in peace, with unconditional love, Sharon.”

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, along with a brother, Norman Sibley.

A special thanks to the health care professionals from the Regal Hospice Healthcare treatment center in Pasadena, Calif., and his friends at the Cordova senior living apartments who looked after him over the years. The family is eternally grateful to you all for all the kindness you showed Bruce throughout this difficult time.

The memorial service for Mr. Sibley will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct 21, 2021, at the Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside Calif., and will include a military honors ceremony. Due to California COVID-19 guidelines, guests are asked to wear masks and practice social distancing. All floral arrangements can be sent to the Riverside National Cemetery.

(special notice)