Wilbert L. Coleman

Wilbert Laurence Coleman was born in Bronx NY on July 28, 1946, to the late Wilbert and Virginia Coleman. Sometime later, the family moved to Jamaica, Queens where he grew up with 6 sisters; Yvonne Serita (pre-deceased), Yvette Sandra (pre-deceased), Melrita, Marion Brenda(pre-deceased), Frances(pre-deceased), Willette Lauren(pre-deceased) and one brother John Franklin. He and his brother John were of the younger of the siblings, so they were spoiled.

By the time he was 10 years of age, he had a few nieces and nephews that frequented the home, and they were very close. Not long after he completed Woodrow Wilson High School, he enlisted into the United States Air Force. Wilbert served his country in the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged. Afterwards he worked in EJ Korvettes in the Music Department until 1973 where he went to work for the Long Island Railroad as a track worker. Wilbert later got promoted to track foreman amidst all the adversity that he faced. He remained in this work role until 1996, in which he retired at that time. Wilbert and Ophelia Whitaker married in 1974 & had 2 children Marissa and Daniele, they resided in Rochdale Village. When the children were young, Wilbert coached tee-ball and Marissa was a player of an opposing team. He and Ophelia were in a softball league and played on the RVRO teams. They also bowled in a leagues at Cardinal Lanes. In addition to this, he bowled in a few other leagues at Van Wyck Bowling Alley and even worked in the pro shop there! After his retirement from the LIRR, he completed a trade program and moved on to be a building super and took care of several buildings. Wilbert was great at fixing things and would not only take care of the buildings, but he also fixed things for family and friends. He also would try telling someone how to fix something on the phone but most times the conversation would end with “forget it, I’ll come do it…”. Wilbert was a people-person with a hearty laugh, who loved food and fellowship and his “perfect grandchildren”. Wilbert was affectionately known as Junior, Uncle Junior, Pete, Gramps and Old Man.

Wilbert L. Coleman, age 76, of Wyandanch, New York passed away on Saturday, October 29, 2022. He leaves to cherish his memories Ophelia Coleman, daughters Nikole Coleman, Marissa Coleman & Daniele Payne (Jerry), son Wilbert Coleman III (known as Trey), grandchildren Chance, Joshua and Jasmine, sister Melrita Lattimore, brother John F. Coleman Sr. a plethora of nieces & nephews, great nieces & nephews, those that he affectionately called family and friends.

A visitation for Wilbert will be held Wednesday, November 2, 2022 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Claude R. Boyd/Caratozzolo Funeral Home, 1785 Deer Park Ave, Deer Park, New York 11729. A service will occur at 11:00 AM followed by interment at Pinelawn Memorial Park and Garden Mausoleums, 2030 Wellwood Ave, Farmingdale, New York 11739.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Boyd-CaratozzoloFuneralHome.com for the Coleman family.