Willie Jake Coleman Jr.

Dr. Coleman was born in New York City on February 16, 1952, the son of Willie and Lucy Coleman. He was a proud alumnus of the Walden School in New York City before going on to Yale University in New Haven to ultimately pursue his Ph.D. in Psychology, which he used throughout his dedicated career in private practice and, later, at the Norwich Vet Center. Upon retiring, he continued working with his private clients, whose wellness and care was of the utmost concern up until his death.

After graduating from Yale – where he met his former wife, Olympia Gregory – they moved to Salem, where they put down roots and started a family, welcoming sons Willie (also known by family and friends as Jacey), Whitney, and daughter, Deanna. He was an active and dedicated member of the community, serving as the longtime Chairman of the Shiloh Development Corporation leading the operation of the Shiloh Family Life Center, foundational in the Salem Youth Travel Basketball program, member of a longstanding dream discussion group, a founding member of the Problem Gambling Task Force of Southeastern CT, a longtime president of the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, member of the American Psychological Association, former Board President of the New England Institute of Addiction Studies, and founder of the former Care Center, once the largest outpatient substance abuse care provider in SE CT.

But nothing was more important than the love he poured into his family. Dr. Coleman coached his kids’ teams, invested in their joy and development, and attended every activity he could – whether that took him down the road, to Tennessee, or any place in between. Anywhere his kids were, Dr. Coleman was never far behind. A history buff, lifelong basketball player and an avid New York sports fan with an uncanny memory, he was finally able to see his beloved Knicks win another championship, although he did not hold the same hope for the Mets or the Jets.

He sought time with his friends and family, most importantly each of his children and grandchildren, regularly stopping by, sharing a meal, or watching a game, nurturing the warm and close bonds he shared with his children as they grew into adults. He loved talking to his treasured grandchildren, learning about the little people they were becoming, laughing with his whole body at the entertaining and inquisitive things they said. He, in turn, loved to share stories – no matter how long it took. How we will miss urging him to get to the point!

Dr. Coleman was a brilliant, humble, kind, jolly, longwinded, generous, beautiful delight of a man, whose light will be desperately missed but will forever warm the hearts of all of us who cherished him.

He is survived by his sons Willie Coleman III and Whitney Coleman; daughter Deanna Coleman; nephew, William Gregory, whom he loved like a son; daughter-in-law Alexandra Formica Coleman; brother and sister-in-law Ronald & Cynthia Coleman; former wife and forever friend, Olympia Gregory; sister Leah Ralls; beloved grandchildren Skye, Lexington & Lennox Coleman and Alyse Manley; mother of Skye & Alyse, Holli Manley; adored nieces and nephews Derek, Courtney, Colette & Jordan; and many cousins, along with countless friends, colleagues, and clients whose lives he touched.

He was predeceased by his parents Willie & Lucy; his brother Gregory Coleman; his mother-in-law Hazel Gregory; and his brother-in-law, Gary Ralls.

A celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday, September 29th at 11 a.m. in Shiloh Baptist Church, 1 Garvin St., New London, CT. Friends may call an hour prior to the celebration at Shiloh Baptist Church. A reception will follow at Flanders Fish Market in East Lyme. Please visit fultontherouxnewlondon.com for tributes and directions. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to donate in his name to the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, Shiloh Baptist Church, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Windham Youth Cheerleading – or simply share a longwinded story with someone you love.