George P. Coleman passed away on December 25, 2023, at age 60 after a long battle with ALS. He was born on February 6, 1963, in Cleveland, Ohio, to JoAnn Blanchard and George Coleman. He grew up in Cleveland Heights and at the age of 9, he met his lifetime friends Robby Sievers and Joe Biaglow. Throughout his young life, you would often see him hitchhiking for a ride to Roaming Shores to the Sievers home or at the Biaglow house, hanging out or playing pool. Since he was 12 years old, he counted the days until he could get his drivers’ license. His stepdad, Murphy Blanchard, gave him a 1963 Chevy Impala in 1978, starting his love for cars. Working at Cotton’s Garage had finally paid off for George. Working in the driveway, he replaced the transmission and finally had his own set of wheels. He also had a love of fireworks that carried on into his adult life, and always loved preparing and cooking delicious food. It all started in the kitchen with his Mom, who George watched diligently and throughout his life. He especially enjoyed learning how to cook Lebanese food from his Mom.
George graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1982. He formed many lifelong friendships from his high school years and stayed in touch with his brothers Joe Kovach, Joe Pilla., Mitch, John R., Emery, Paul, John J., and Darrio. After high school, he entered the United States Navy in October 1983, and started his career as a third-class machinist. Within seven years, he had worked his way up to first-class. He received a Meritorious Advancement to first-class for the work he did with the Navy Seals. He went even further in his military career, serving as collateral duty inspector, primary IMRL custodian for Pratt Whitney, work center tool control petty officer, division/work center test equipment petty officer, crew leader, ordinance technician and brig guard. He served his country proudly for eight years active and four years in the reserves, and is a veteran of conflicts in Libya, Desert Shield, Desert Storm and the Gulf wars.
After being honorably discharged from the Navy, George pursued a career as a private investigator and then went on to serve as an International Field Service Technician for All Crematory Corporation. During this time, he also worked as a sous chef at Gates Mills Grill. There he met his friend Paola, the mother of his son, Alexander, who was a great source of pride and joy for George. Though they later divorced, Paola and George remained close friends. He retired from Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District (CHUH) in 2021, where he had served as the energy management/automation technician for 15 years. While working at CHUH, he was the district energy coach for Brewer Garret.
George married the love of his life, Valoree, in 2004. Together they enjoyed hiking, gardening and traveling. George was adventurous, affectionate, and driven. One of his main joys in life was making their marriage the best it could be – from the little things that make up everyday life to celebrating their anniversaries in style. He was the kind of guy that was committed and in it for the long haul. They are proud residents of Highland Heights, Ohio.
A lover of music, George could often be found listening to artists such as Andrea Bocelli, Chris Stapleton and Barry White, to name just a few. Science fiction was also his passion, allowing George to ignite his imagination surrounding the ideas of space, dystopia, alternate futures, and militarization. A lover of the sky, astronomy motivated his curiosity, and he had a deep desire to understand some of the grandest and most beautiful phenomena in the universe.
George was also deeply compassionate for animals, evident by his cell phone full of images of his pets Grady, Chopper and Sophia. He even owned a military macaw named “Fritz” at one time, given to him by his friend Tom Haluska. And often you would find him at an estate sale, trying to find that hidden treasure…always looking for that hidden treasure. His infatuations were bourbon and gambling. He often traveled to Las Vegas, and you would find him in front of a slot machine for hours. A lover of bourbon, he made many trips to Louisville, Kentucky, with Valoree, amassing an unparalleled bourbon collection. George was known for his quick wit, his infectious smile, and his kind and generous heart. He loved to give back to the community, volunteering for the National Down Syndrome Society, RiverSweep, and the Cleveland Metroparks. He was also the ultimate handyman, providing useful services to his family, neighbors, friends, and coworkers. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his mother, JoAnn Blanchard (Mansour), stepfather Murphy Blanchard, and stepbrother Michael Baranuk. He is survived by his wife Valoree (Biaglow), son Alexander, father George Coleman and stepmom Donna Coleman, sisters Renee Kratky, Kelli Coleman, Joni Blanchard, Loretta Lausin, Carol Malave, Suzanne Pikula, Kathleen Mitchell and Carolyn McLaurin; many nieces and nephews in particular Eric Gaffney; and special friends, Robby Sievers, Joe Biaglow, Paul Thailing, and Greg Jakab.
Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 AM Saturday December 30 at St. Paschal Baylon Church. Interment Knollwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends at THE DiCICCO AND SONS FUNERAL HOME 5975 MAYFIELD RD. MAYFIELD HTS. FRIDAY 4 TO 7 PM. Online condolences and guest registry www.diciccoandsonsfh.com
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