Daniel "Jim" Coleman, age 76, of New Britain, Connecticut passed away on Friday, April 19, 2024. He was born January 16, 1948 in New Britain, CT. Affectionately known as Bankas, a name given to him by his first grandchild. Jim graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Middletown, CT and spent most of his career in the dry cleaning industry owning his own cleaners at one time. He retired from Best Cleaners after 43 years. Jim was a loving husband to his wife, Carmen for 34 years. He was an honest man and cherished every moment of their lives together. They enjoyed taking cruises together, going to the casino and having family gatherings. He leaves behind 3 children, Marcy L. Tino, Louis D. Coleman and Desiree E. Coleman. He was the type of father that you could laugh and have fun with and always depend on. In addition to his own children, he helped raised his nephew, Bryan and nieces, Sonja and Phyllis (Coleman). The fondest memories are candid conversations during family nights that would always provide an outlet for open dialogue and never result in judgement. Family was very important to Jim and the memories still linger amongst the vast amount of people who were gathered at his home one time or another. Bankas has 10 grandchildren: Makayla Ashley Gibbs (Ray), Marcus Daniel Tino, Louis Coleman Jr, Marissa Leigh Tino-Bennett (Sean), Alonzo Coleman, Mya Domonique Anna Tino, Tavon Thicklen, Nylah Jenkins, Genesis Crump and Naomi Crump and his great granddaughter, Bailey.
He is survived by his sister, Valerie McGriff (Lorenzo) and brother, Terrence Coleman; brother in law, Papo Collazo (Julie) and nephew, Jamie Collazo (Mindy) and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family members. He is pre deceased by his mother, Lucy Coleman; his sister Michelle Johnson and his nephew, Marquis Hopkins. His friendships, especially with Sam Stevenson have lasted decades due to his loyalty and willingness to help in time of need. His ex wife, Millie, the mother to his eldest child, would even go as far as saying Jim was one of her best friends, whether it was forced upon him or not, he accepted it with love. His friend, Maurice Gagnon said it best, “He is what I call an extraordinary ordinary man. In most ways he was like all of us except he had a gift to connect with all people regardless of age, gender, race or social status. Nobody was below him in his eyes and nobody was above him. In a world filled with hate he showed us all how to love. His life was filled with a complete spectrum of all types of people. He made everyone around him a better person. He was an ordinary man who made an extraordinary difference in the world around him.”
He will truly be missed!
Calling Hours will be held Friday April 26, 2024 from 3PM-6PM. Interment services will be private
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