William “Bill” T. Coleman, Jr.
March 28, 1947 - November 21, 2021
William “Bill” T. Coleman, Jr., age 74, of New Castle, DE, passed away at his beach home with his loving wife by his side on Sunday, November 21, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents William T. Coleman, Sr. and Ruth Coleman.
Bill was devoted to his family and friends, absolutely adored his two granddaughters, and was full of kindness, joy and enthusiasm. He was beloved by all who knew him.
Bill was a successful athlete in baseball and basketball at De La Warr High School, where he also served as the class president of the class of ’65, as well as continuing to remain involved in helping to organize several class reunions after graduation. He went on to graduate college from Pennsylvania Military College (Widener University) with a degree in accounting, where he also assisted in starting the Kappa Sigma Fraternity at the college. After graduating college, Bill went to work for State Farm Insurance Company where he opened his own successful agency office. After 50+ years of working with State Farm he decided to retire to his much-enjoyed beach home.
Bill was an avid sports fan where he continued to play baseball, softball, basketball, and perfecting his golf game throughout his life. He enjoyed boating, fishing, and traveling, as well as spending quality time with his family and friends. He most enjoyed all time spent with his granddaughters. He was a longtime member of the American Legion Stahl Post #30 and St. John’s AF and AM Masonic Lodge.
He is survived by his wife Donna Cross; daughter and son-in-law, Heather and John Ferguson; granddaughters, Sydnee and Carlee Ferguson; sister, Shari Coleman; brother-in-law, Tom Lindstrom (Joni); sister-in-law, Debbie Kiszka (Jerry); step-son, Michael Cross; nieces and nephews, Taylor Rutkoske, Cari Cox (Austin), Tom Lindstrom III, Justin Comegys (Lauren), Ashley Comegys, Alan Kiszka (Kathy), Andy Kiszka (Christine), Jeff Kiszka (Lindsey), and Tom Kiszka (Ashleigh); as well as several grand nieces and nephews, and cousins.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 12 pm on Friday December 3, 2021 at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 North DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a masonic service will begin at 12 pm. Funeral services will immediately follow. Face coverings will be required for all those in attendance not immunized with the COVID-19 vaccine per the Governor of Delaware. Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Bill’s memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516 or online by clicking here or to American Legion Stahl Post #30, 156 North DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE, 19720.
Beverley Pitcher
Donna. I am so sorry to hear about Bill – he always made you feel welcome- I remember all the good times at your Christmas parties – my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family 🙏🙏🙏
Eugene White & Diane McCool White Class of 65
RIP Bill you will be missed by many!
Carolyn Stanley
Donna… you and Bill have made so many wonderful memories over the years and I hope they will help you during your time of feeling so loss without him by your side. He was a special classmate and friend to so many at De La Warr and beyond. I will cherish the fun we had at all the DLW dinners we shared together over the years. Over the years, Bill never changed as being such a wonderful caring person! Love you!
Carol McKnitt-Heinold
I’m so sorry for your loss. Bill was a great friend to my brother, Ed.
Ken Adams
Donna, Pamela and I will cherish our memories of Bill’s loving smile and all the fabulous DLW dinners we shared. He will truly be missed!
We are so sorry for your loss. Love you, Pamela and Ken.
Tom Connell
RIP Bill
Debbie Colder-Emory
So sorry for your loss, Bill was a really nice person, I served on many high school committees with him. He will be missed.
George Webb
R I P . My friend
I will miss you very much love you.
Karin Raunigk (Petrucci)
My heartfelt sympathy to both families, friends, and all those who loved him..
John & Jenny Ferguson
Donna, John Henry, Heather, Sydnee and Carlee, Bill, was and is a outstanding beautiful soul, full of adventure, love and always happy. He has filled our world with joy and love for over 25 years. We love him and will miss him being here with us. He will always be with you and a part of who you are. Hold on to all your beautiful memories. Bill was the best Dad and Pop Pop ever. He loved how much you all loved him. You made his life complete. Love you 😘
Cherid Busse Dobroski
Heather and John,
So sad to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Barbara Erbe
On behalf of the State Farm Family, please accept my sincere condolences. Having just moved nearby I
had only seen him one time in passing at a restaurant.
RIP Bill, you will be missed!
George Dunn
Sincere condolences and prayers to Bill’s family. May he rest in peace
Lisi Sharon
RIP Bill, Sharon Hession Lisi, class of 1965. You were always a nice, friendly person. So sorry for your loss, Donna.
Dickie & Sandy
Our hearts are broken at the passing of our neighbor Bill. He was such a great man and will really be missed in our neighborhood. Our deep sympathies are sent your way and we are praying for peace for Donna and the whole family.
Rose Pennington
I have been fortunate to have known Bill for over 40 years with State Farm.. back to our days at the Springfield regional office. He was the consumate gentleman and always so gracious about helping me professionally. It was obvious he loved his family and being a State Farm Agent. If every State Farm agent had all the wonderful qualities that Bill had this company would be an even more successful one. Bills family are in my thoughts and prayers Bill was one of those people who left the world a little better than when he found it!
Pete Romano class of 65
RIP Bill my condolences to his family
John & Dawn Howe
Heather, We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. We miss you guys at the office in Aston and seeing your dad when he stopped in for pretzels. Love & prayers for you and your family, John and Dawn Howe
Beth Gabsewics
Heather,
my sincere sympathy to you and your entire family for the loss of your Dad. May the good Lord bless your family with peace and healing.
Chuck Pellegrini
RIP my friend. We first met in the early 1970s as State Farm agents and remained in touch ever since. My earliest memories of Bill was in Ocean City MD. From my first time meeting Bill I knew he was a special person. He never changed over all these years. A warm and caring guy who made everyone feel comfortable. You will be missed my friend! Rest easy, you have made all of us better people.
Jeffrey Alexander
Dear Donna and family,
Our Sincere Sympathy and Prayers
Isaiah 53:4 NIV
Jeff and LaVerne Alexander
Atkinson Dave
RIP Bill
Sheree Busch
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Working for Bill for 28 years was a pleasure. He was an awesome person and an awesome boss. He will surely be missed. Please tell everyone that I am thinking of them.
Love Sheree Busch
Charlie and Jenni Weller
Donna, we are so sorry to hear about your unexpected loss. Bill was a good man and will be missed dearly. Our hearts go out to you and your family at this time of grief.
Patricia (Brannon) Carl and Charlie Carl
Donna and family we are so sorry for your loss. PLease accept our sincere condolences. Bill was always a very sincere friend he always took time to listen and left you feeling he really cared. The great times at DeLaWarr and later working with him on the reunion will always remain as the best years of my life. A true friend and a good caring man who treated everyone the same and that smile would make your day a happier one. I know Bill is in the house of our Lord and still watching over his family and friends. Job well done Bill we will see you soon. You will always hold a special place in the hearts of your classmates, workers and many friends. RIP dear friend and God’s blessings to you. You will be missed. (Patty as you called me. )