William Coleman

POLAND - Prayers will begin Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. at the Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Poland Chapel, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at the Holy Family Church, for William L. Coleman, 89, who died early Sunday morning at Masternick Memorial Nursing Home.

William was born July 15, 1927, in Youngstown, the son of Edward and Josphine (Shea) Coleman.

He was a 1946 graduate of Ursuline High School and played right tackle on the 1943 to 1945 football team. William was chosen for All-City in 1945, and was inducted into the Ursuline Football Hall of Fame on Dec. 1, 1998.

William worked as a patrolman for the City of Youngstown for 33 years, until retiring in 1985.

He was a member of the Holy Family Church and a devout Catholic. William was also a member of the Youngstown F.O.P.

William was very proud of his Irish heritage. Together with his wife, Teresa, they enjoyed a wonderful trip to Ireland. He was also an avid Notre Dame football fan.

William is survived by his wife, the former Teresa M. Ferrante, whom he married Aug. 19, 1950; a daughter, Kathy (Joseph) Lyden of Poland; three sons, Gerald (Stephanie) Coleman of Canfield, William (Mary Lou) Coleman of Boardman and Kevin (Melissa Ford) Coleman; sister Mary Tyger of Struthers; ten grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Karen; three brothers, John, James and Frank; and four sisters, Ann, Dorothy "Toots," Jean and JoAnn.

Family and friends may call Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Robert Wetzel, Dr. Charles Wilkins, Dr. Joseph Masternick and to the wonderful staff at Masternick Memorial Health Care Center for the care and compassion given to William.

Material tributes may take the form of donations to St. Jude Children's Research.

Visit www.higgins-reardon.com to send condolences to the family.