Obituary for Richard H. Coleman, Sr.
Richard Hutchinson Coleman, Sr. of Pittsfield passed away at Berkshire Medical Center on March 5, 2023. Born in Pittsfield, MA on December 29, 1930, he was the son of the late Donald and Helen Coleman.
Richard graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1950. He served in the United States Army where for two years he served in Germany as a field photographer. After 38 years of employment with the Continental Baking Company, he retired in 1992.
Richard married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Barbara Catherine Hyde Coleman on August 24, 1952. She predeceased him on October 24, 2019. Richard is survived by his one younger sister, Nancy C. Wyand of Dalton. He is predeceased by his three older brothers, Donald Coleman, Jr, Rev. David Coleman and Robert Coleman.
Richard is survived by his children, Susan (Donald) Gagnon, Holly Coleman, Tammy (James) Kupernik, Richard (Heidi) Coleman, Jr and Sandy (Allen Sykes) Coleman Cronin; his nine grandchildren, Nicole (Javier) Avila, Kara (Alex) Zablotsky, Samantha (Matthew Wilson) Ruel Inman, James (Christine) Kupernik, Christopher (Laurie) Kupernik, Ashley (Shane) Yuknis, Carrie (Andres) Ramirez, Amanda Baumann and Shane Cronin. He is survived by seven great grandchildren, Jackson Inman, Owen and Maya Zablotsky, Levi and Emmett Yuknis, Gianna Lyon and Avery Ramirez.
Richard was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Pittsfield where he served on numerous boards and committees. He was part of the media ministry; taught Sunday School and was a member of the choir for many years. Richard was an avid photographer, documenting the many events and occasions in his life. He had a keen interest in technology, spending many hours on his computer researching and creating. He loved and appreciated all genres of music; an integral part of his life. He was an avid sports fan, watching his beloved Red Sox was a favorite past time. He had a special love for Cape Cod. But his love and devotion to his family is what he will be most remembered for. He attended every activity and event that his children and grandchildren were involved in, he had such interest and pride in their lives.
The family would like to express their sincere thanks, appreciation and gratitude to the many caregivers who have helped over the past few years. These include medical staff at Baystate Medical Center, Berkshire Medical Center, the Cardiology department and the staff at Berkshire Internists. We are also grateful to his home nursing staff, Elder Services and to the caring staff on 3 East at BMC who helped all of us through Richard’s last few days. He always referred to his caregivers as his “angels”.
A Celebration of Mr. Coleman’s Life will be held Friday, March 10th at 11 am preceded by calling hours at 10:30 at the First Baptist Church in Pittsfield with Rev. Sheila Sholes-Ross officiating. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall with a private burial at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Music Ministry of First Baptist Church or to Elder Service in care of Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford Street, Pittsfield, MA in Richard’s memory.
Richard graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1950. He served in the United States Army where for two years he served in Germany as a field photographer. After 38 years of employment with the Continental Baking Company, he retired in 1992.
Richard married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Barbara Catherine Hyde Coleman on August 24, 1952. She predeceased him on October 24, 2019. Richard is survived by his one younger sister, Nancy C. Wyand of Dalton. He is predeceased by his three older brothers, Donald Coleman, Jr, Rev. David Coleman and Robert Coleman.
Richard is survived by his children, Susan (Donald) Gagnon, Holly Coleman, Tammy (James) Kupernik, Richard (Heidi) Coleman, Jr and Sandy (Allen Sykes) Coleman Cronin; his nine grandchildren, Nicole (Javier) Avila, Kara (Alex) Zablotsky, Samantha (Matthew Wilson) Ruel Inman, James (Christine) Kupernik, Christopher (Laurie) Kupernik, Ashley (Shane) Yuknis, Carrie (Andres) Ramirez, Amanda Baumann and Shane Cronin. He is survived by seven great grandchildren, Jackson Inman, Owen and Maya Zablotsky, Levi and Emmett Yuknis, Gianna Lyon and Avery Ramirez.
Richard was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Pittsfield where he served on numerous boards and committees. He was part of the media ministry; taught Sunday School and was a member of the choir for many years. Richard was an avid photographer, documenting the many events and occasions in his life. He had a keen interest in technology, spending many hours on his computer researching and creating. He loved and appreciated all genres of music; an integral part of his life. He was an avid sports fan, watching his beloved Red Sox was a favorite past time. He had a special love for Cape Cod. But his love and devotion to his family is what he will be most remembered for. He attended every activity and event that his children and grandchildren were involved in, he had such interest and pride in their lives.
The family would like to express their sincere thanks, appreciation and gratitude to the many caregivers who have helped over the past few years. These include medical staff at Baystate Medical Center, Berkshire Medical Center, the Cardiology department and the staff at Berkshire Internists. We are also grateful to his home nursing staff, Elder Services and to the caring staff on 3 East at BMC who helped all of us through Richard’s last few days. He always referred to his caregivers as his “angels”.
A Celebration of Mr. Coleman’s Life will be held Friday, March 10th at 11 am preceded by calling hours at 10:30 at the First Baptist Church in Pittsfield with Rev. Sheila Sholes-Ross officiating. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall with a private burial at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Music Ministry of First Baptist Church or to Elder Service in care of Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford Street, Pittsfield, MA in Richard’s memory.