John L. Coleman

John L. Coleman September 4, 1925 – December 18, 2018 John L. Coleman, 93, passed away on December 18, 2018, in Horseheads, NY, after a brief illness. He was the beloved elder brother of Francis W. Coleman and the late Jerry (Sally) Coleman. He was the beloved uncle of Todd E. Coleman (Dana), Matthew V. Coleman, Diane W. Coleman, Pamela C. Vilas (Donald), Valerie C. Gist (Bruce), and Kenneth F. Coleman (Julie). He was the beloved uncle of many other nieces and nephews, and their children. He leaves behind dear cousins including Donald Palme, James Pelot, Marie Wheeler, and Lois Hembury. He also leaves behind many dear neighbors and friends. John was born in Mildred, PA, on September 4, 1925. He was the son of the late Emil E. Coleman and Helen Radka Coleman. Growing up in Mildred, PA, John enjoyed fly fishing with his father, and playing baseball, which would become a life-long passion. John was a World War II veteran. In January 1944, while in high school, John was drafted into the U.S. Navy. He was a gunner on the USS Astoria (CL-90), serving in four major battles at sea. John retired from Hardinge Inc. in Elmira, NY, in 1990. He was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Clare Cosgrove Coleman, and a daughter, Helen “Bonnie” Coleman Paluskiewicz. He was also preceded in death by his dear friend of 20 years, Jessie Collins. John was kind and caring. He loved his family and friends, and enjoyed visiting, calling, and corresponding with loved ones. He had an amazing historical knowledge of family history. He enjoyed keeping up with his favorite baseball teams and vegetable gardening. In his later years, he lived at Bethany Village/ The Courtyards where he had many friends. He was member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, in Horseheads, NY, for more than 50 years. Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 28, 2018, at 1:00 pm, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Horseheads, NY, with the Rev. Laura K Daly officiating. Interment with military honors will take place after the service at St. Peter and Paul’s Cemetery in Elmira, NY. Memorials may be directed to Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Horseheads, NY. Arrangements have been entrusted to the James D. Barrett Funeral Home.