Joachim Sieckmann
Known to his friends and family by the nickname for Joachim, Jochen, died peacefully in his sleep on May 30, 2026. A celebration of life will take place later this summer.
Born in Berlin, Germany on January 25, 1945, Jochen grew up in post, World War II Germany. He often spoke of memories of his childhood playing in the rubble left by the war’s destruction.
He left school at age 15, as funds were too tight in his family to pay the nominal tuition to pay for Gymnasium, the equivalent of American high school and first 2 years of college. Once he was in America, he was able to earn a BA degree from Suny Potsdam in French and Philosophy.
Jochen’s passion in life was books. He loved to read, he collected and sold used books on the ABE internet site for over 30 years. In addition to selling books, he also enjoyed publishing and designing books for young avant-garde artists. He also printed and designed a magazine, edited by Dieter Schwartz, featuring such artists as Dieter Rot, Jan Foss, Dorothy Iannone and Robert Filliou. From his Press, Edition AM Mehringdam in West Berlin.
His excellent sense of design and his courageous taste in art, led him to undertake the makeover of the oldest house in DeKalb, N.Y. He moved rocks from a deserted barn and paved a floor and built a wall with rocks as well to house an antique Home Comfort wood cook stove. He loved making breakfast fires in winter for cozy coffee drinking.
Jochen enjoyed being a grandfather to his wife’s son, Eamon McCallion and her daughter -in-law Mona Villacorta McCallion’s two children: Henry McCallion and Jason McCallion. They spent many wonderful hours playing together and horsing around.
He is dearly remembered by their nickname for him: Yo Yo
Jochen is survived by his wife of 41 years, the artist Mary Harding. (AKA Mary McCallion) Together they enjoyed attending library book sales. They especially loved The Friends of Thompkins Library book sale in Ithaca New York. They looked forward to it each fall and spring for many years.
During the years he pursued his B A degree from Potsdam state College, he was an individual aide in the BOCES Special Education program at Lawrence Avenue School His joyful spirit and commitment to his student made him a much-appreciated asset to the program.
Jochen will be greatly missed by his family and his many friends who enjoyed his sense of humor and his concern for the welfare of others.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be given in his name to ACLU, 125 BROAD STREET, 18th FLOOR, NEW YORK, N.Y.10004-2400.