Coleman Arnold Leifer

Coleman Arnold Leifer, 94, passed away on July 20, 2020. Coleman was born on July 6, 1926, in Washington, D.C, the only child of Dr. Edward D. and Mariam (Coleman) Leifer. Mrs. Leifer emigrated from Russia, and Dr. Leifer’s parents were Russian immigrants. Coleman graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1944. He served in the U S Army during WWII from 1944-1946. He went on to earn a BS in Social Sciences from Georgetown University, class of 1949. After graduation, he began a long career at the Federal Bureau of Investigation, serving most of that time as a computer systems analyst and programmer. Coleman was one of the first employees selected to be trained as a computer programmer at the dawn of FBI automation. His natural technical skills proved well suited for designing and writing software. A co-worker remarked that “Coleman was the smartest man I ever knew. He always had a unique solution to problems.” In 1966, Coleman was appointed supervisory analyst to create an electronic clearinghouse of crime data known as the National Crime Information Center. NCIC was a leading edge computing concept that had never before been attempted. In addition to being responsible for overall NCIC software design, he wrote the control program that linked the files and network. Coleman is remembered as an expert for technical guidance, for working collaboratively to support other programmers, and as a “wonderful supervisor.” His work on NCIC withstood the test of time. Programs he and his team wrote were still in use more than thirty years after NCIC was introduced. At the 25th anniversary of NCIC, the redesign group remarked on the challenge they faced to replicate the efficient design of the original software. Coleman is so highly regarded by colleagues that he is known as the technical father of the NCIC software system. Coleman worked in uniform crime reporting and field office information management prior to his retirement from the FBI in March 1985. Always ahead of his time, he was one of the first analysts in the FBI to begin programming personal computer databases. Coleman returned to the FBI as a contract employee after retirement and continued to design databases. Beyond his work, Coleman enjoyed many hobbies. He was an avid golfer who could often be found at the Gunpowder Golf Course, and he was a frequent participant in FBI golf tournaments. He organized an investment club made up of FBI co-workers, and he also organized and bowled on teams in DC City Bowling Tournaments. Coleman was a devoted Washington Redskins fan and a longtime season ticket holder. Friends at Grosvenor Park I, where he lived for many years, remember him as “a very good bridge player.” Coleman was a numismatist and a philatelist who specialized in revenue philately. He was a longtime member of The Society of Check Collectors, Inc. and The American Revenue Association. He held director and treasurer positions in these organizations and also served as auction manager. A membership database he developed for ARA remains in use. He contributed articles to the “American Revenuer” and “The Check Collector.” Coleman was a serious collector whose expertise exceeded amateur level. Over several decades, he amassed a formidable collection of revenue stamps and related philatelic collectables. Coleman was a man of few words. He left an impression on all who met him by his kindness and understated intellect. Everyone has an endearing anecdote to share about Coleman. He loved office get-togethers, especially if sweets were on the menu, where he was always a welcomed guest. Until well into his 80s, Coleman was a regular at the monthly FBI retiree’s breakfast. Coleman lived for most of his life in Montgomery County, Maryland, most recently at Ring House and prior to that in Leisure World. In spite of his advanced age, he lived independently before he succumbed to COVID-19. He gave generously to Children’s National Hospital. Coleman was laid to rest beside his mother at King David Memorial Garden in Falls Church, Virginia. He has no known living relatives. He is much respected and beloved by his FBI family of friends who are planning a celebration of his life. River of Sorrow by Todd Nigro Drinking from the waters of sorrow sustains a different kind of life. This river is hidden from the rest of the world. Tears drip from my chin and fall into an endless flow of liquid love. This river sparkles with beauty.