William Stephen Coleman

William S. Coleman, Former Insurance Executive Mr. Coleman, formerly of Freedom, NH and a long-time resident of Westwood, MA died March 24, 2009, in Tucson, AZ after a long illness. He was 89. Mr. Coleman was born August 12, 1919 in Providence, RI, the son of Edythe Gauvin and Gerald Coleman. After graduating from Central H.S (1937) and Bryant College (1941), he served in the Army Air Corps during WWII as a Staff Sergeant in Ordnance. On September 18, 1943 he married Barbara Bliss of Rehoboth, MA. They had four children and in 1954 settled in Westwood, MA where they lived until 1984. Mr. Coleman worked in the insurance field throughout his career for various companies including Providence Washington, American, Fireman's Fund and finally for the Norfolk and Dedham Mutual Fire Insurance Company, where he was a Vice President until his retirement in 1984. In Westwood, Bill was involved in the First Parish United Church, the WHS Booster Club, Little League and the Cub Scouts. Both he and Barbara greatly enjoyed their lifelong friends in Westwood who gathered monthly as members of the "Poker Club." They also loved the outdoors and instilled a similar passion in their children through annual camping vacations during the 50s and 60s to Cape Cod and the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Later in life, they traveled extensively throughout the United States, the Caribbean, Bermuda, and Europe. Upon retirement, Bill and Barbara relocated to their beautiful vacation home in Freedom, NH on Lake Ossipee, and a waiting sailboat. They embraced their new community and devoted time to the Historical Society, the Freedom Public Library and the First Christian Church. Bill and Barbara were honored for their work in the community when they were named marshals during one of Freedom's Old Home Week parades. They greatly valued visits from Barbara's sister Jan and her husband Ed Case with whom Bill played prolific games of cribbage. In 2007, Bill and Barbara relocated to Tucson, AZ to be with their daughter Linda. Mr. Coleman is survived by his wife of 65 years and their four children Nancy Koza (Mike) of Brewster, MA, Ken Coleman (Tracey) of Gunnison, CO, Linda Coleman (Ben) of Oro Valley, AZ and Steve Coleman (Katy) of Albuquerque, NM, grandchildren Michael Koza of NYC, Karyn Gaynor of Orleans, MA, Kirsten Daily of Gunnison, CO, Reidun Wallin of Alamosa, CO, Connor Coleman of Gunnison, CO, Noel Coleman of Los Angeles, Quinn Coleman of Hilo, HI and numerous great grandchildren. He also leaves a sister, Mrs. Jean Rebello of Providence, RI, sisters-in-law, Janet Case (Ed) of Rehoboth, MA, and Helen Bliss of Jacksonville FL, and numerous nieces and nephews. Mr. Coleman was a reserved New Englander who lived a life exemplified by hard work, integrity, quiet faith, and devotion to family. He is sorely missed by his wife, children, and his extended family and friends. A memorial service and internment will be at Swan Point Cemetery in Providence, RI at a future date. Those who wish to may donate in Bill's memory to the National Parkinson Foundation or a charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements by Vistoso Memorial Chapel (www.vistosomemorialchapel.com).