January 23, 1926 – February 27, 2024
Father John Coleman died peacefully on February 27, 2024 at the age of 98, after a fruitful and beautiful life. He was born in 1926, in San Francisco to John Raymond Coleman and Mary Ellen (Fenton) Coleman. After graduating from St. James grammar school, he attended St. Joseph’s Seminary and was ordained a priest in 1950.
His beloved family includes siblings, Jackie and Robert (dec’d), Sister Mary Noreen, O.P., Noel (Delores), Noreen (Phil) Dunnigan. And, was a loving uncle to numerous nieces and nephews.
Father John leaves behind hundreds of friends and parishioners, not only from St. Francis of Assisi, but from past parishes in San Francisco, Richmond, Alviso, Mt. View, San Jose and Gilroy. He had a deep devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
During his decades of service, he was recognized by his peers as a priest’s priest. And, although 98 years old, Fr. John continued to work in his parish up until the time of his death.
Father John was known and appreciated for his selflessness, generosity, humility and compassion for the poor and underserved communities. He had a great love of family, music, sports, thrift shops and was master deliverer of corny jokes. He was also a gifted artist and musician.
The Vigil Sunday, March 3, 2024, at 7 p.m. and Funeral Mass Monday, March 4, 2024, at 11a.m. will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Church in E. Palo Alto. Interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Los Altos.
Father John requested that any donations you wish to contribute, may go to St. Vincent de Paul Society.
Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Mar. 1, 2024.