Obituary of Joseph F. Coleman

Joseph F. Coleman, Sr. of Baldwinsville, NY passed away at his home on November 21, 2016 with his family by his side. Joe was born on November 23, 1938 in Brooklyn, NY to Joseph A Coleman and Nancy Campbell Coleman. The family moved to Oxford, NY in 1950 and he graduated from Oxford Academy & Central School in 1956. He graduated from Cornell University in 1960 and received his master's degree from University of Maryland in 1965. He was associated with Eaton Laboratories as a research parasitoligist, National Institutes of Health as a virologist. He chose to become a Dairy Crop rep. with Agway in Pennsylvania. He then followed his true passion which was education. He was a teacher, coach, and administrator in the Baldwinsville, Westhill, Cortland and Lafayette school districts. He retired as a superintendent of Lafayette Central School District. During his career, he was awarded the following: Matilda Cuomo Award in Recognition of Education Programs to Support Families; National School Boards Association Award for Leadership and Design for One of the Ten Best Programs of The Year; IBM Principal of the Year: NYS Recognition for Education Leadership for Youth at Risk; Baldwinsville Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Service to Youth. He was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 55 years Kathleen S. Coleman, his children: Joseph(Karen) Coleman, Kirsten (Peter) Zaffino, Christopher (Alex Peña) Coleman, Scott (Kerri) Coleman and Matthew (Jodi) Coleman. He is survived by 12 grandchildren: Joseph and Joshua Coleman, Gregory, Caroline and Brian Zaffino, Jack and Timothy Coleman, Nathan, Connor and Kate Coleman, Sam and Aiden Coleman. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, November 28 at 11am at St. Mary's Church, Baldwinsville. Calling hours are Sunday, November 27, 2-6 pm at Falardeau Funeral Home, 93 Downer Street, Baldwinsville. Burial is in Riverview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Baldwinsville Community Scholarship Fund for The Joseph F. Coleman Strive for Excellence Scholarship.