Harold A. Coleman, Jr.

Forestport- Harold A. Coleman, Jr., 93, of Obrien Road, a former longtime resident of Utica and husband of the late Jeanne Prendergast, passed away on Sunday, November 17, 2019, at the Masonic Care Community of Utica. Harold was born in Utica, on February 7, 1926, a son of Harold A. Sr. and Mary Thackrah Coleman. Until the age of 12, he grew up in Forestport, before moving to Utica, where he graduated from Utica Catholic Academy, with the Class of 1944. On July 21, 1944, Mr. Coleman entered the service of his country in the U.S. Army, stationed in the European Theater of WWII, where he was a tank driver in the 45th Tank Battalion, participating in battles in the Rhineland and central Europe including the Battle of the Bulge. On October 22, 1945, he was honorably discharged from the Army, with a rank of Private First Class, at the Hospital Center, Camp Edwards, Massachusetts. After serving his country, Harold returned to Utica, where he was employed for over 39 years as a switchman at New York Telephone Co., Utica, retiring in 1986. On January 31, 1948, at St. Johns Church, Utica, Harold married the love of his life, Jeanne Prendergast. Thereafter for many years they lived in south Utica. Mrs. Coleman passed away on March 13, 1994. In 1993, Harold constructed a home on OBrien Road, near Forestport, where he had resided since 1994. Mr. Coleman was a member of St. Patricks Church, Forestport, Charles J. Love Post American Legion, Boonville and the Boonville Lodge of Elks # 2158. He was an avid golfer for many years greatly enjoying his game until this past summer. In the early 1990s Harold was named Senior Golf Champion at Twin Ponds Golf Club, NY Mills. He enjoyed golfing at Woodgate Pines, Boonville and for many winters at Ft. Myers, Florida. He was also enjoyed hunting and fishing. Harry loved the sport of Basketball and for 10 years he coached the St. Johns Church CYO Championship Basketball Team and was also a long-time SU Basketball fan. In 1976, Harry and Jeanne were named by St. Johns Church as the Youth Couple of the Year, in recognition of their outstanding service to the youth of the inner city of Utica. For many years prior to moving to Forestport, Harry was a member of St. Johns Church, Utica. He is survived by one daughter, Nancy, Forestport and was predeceased in 2012 by a daughter, Kathleen Eichenlaub. Also surviving is a son in law, Thomas Eichenlaub, Sherrill; a granddaughter, Anne (Dominick) De Salvatore, Sherrill and a grandson Michael (fiance Meagan January) Eichenlaub, Dallas TX and two nieces, Susan Hamberg, Laguna Woods. CA and Barbara Wong, Westport, CT. Harry was also predeceased by his longtime companion, Naomi Sholette of Three Mile Bay, NY. Naomis son and his wife; Bob and Linda Sholette, North Fort Myers, FL, as well as Naomis grandchildren, Bobby Sholette his fiance, Elizabeth Johns and their daughter Addysen and Kerri Crandall and her husband, Ron, Rochester, NY, all shared a deep love and affection for Harry. Harrys family wishes to express their sincere thankyou and appreciation to the staff at Masonic Care Community, Utica, NY, for the exceptional care given to Harry. A Memorial Mass will be on Friday, at 11:00 A.M. at St. Patricks Church, Forestport, where Rev. Thomas A. Ward, Pastor will officiate and where Military Honors will follow from Charles J. Love Post American Legion, Harland J. Hennessey Post V.F.W. and the Tun Tavern Marine Corps League, all of Boonville. Interment will be in St. Agnes Cemetery, Utica. There are no calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Charities of Oneida and Madison Counties, 1408 Genesee St. Utica, NY 13502. His Funeral arrangements are in care of Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville, NY.