Bruce Steele Phalen

Loving Family Man

Bruce Steele Phalen of Lewes, DE, passed away peacefully on December 10,2025. He was on the cusp of being 96.

He was born in Waltham, Massachusetts on December 20, 1929, and grew up in Lexington during the depression and World War 2, living in homes that his father (Stanley) built until they could be sold. He graduated from Tufts University with a B.S. in chemical engineering and served a year abroad in the AirForce. His career was defined by first managing chemical plants that produced cellophane, followed by a plant in Newark, Delaware that produced a form of microcrystalline cellulose, which revolutionized oral medication delivery. After his retirement he worked for many years to provide free tax filing services to those who needed assistance.

He was married for 69 years to the love of his life, Lydia.  Together they formed an inseparable team raising four children David (Susan), Paul (Laurieann), Ann (Russ), and Susan.  Bruce is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

At the center of Bruce and Lydia's lives was family. Together they selflessly provided for their children and grandchildren so that they had every opportunity to achieve their full potential, and they took great delight in their accomplishments. Bruce was active in the Episcopal church throughout his life.  He sang in the choir in the Trinity Church in Boston as a child, was an active member of St. Alban's Church in Wilmington, DE, Saint Thomas Church in Newark, DE, and St. Peter's church in Lewes, DE.  Bruce and Lydia loved nature and the ocean. They moved to Lewes in 1996 and took great delight in being a part of the community in their retirement years.

Friends and family are invited to a memorial service which will be held on Wednesday, December 17th, 2025 at 11am at St. Peter's Episcopal Church located at 200 2nd Street, Lewes DE 19958.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to: St. Peter's Episcopal Church PO Box 464 Lewes, DE 19958