Obituary of William T. Coleman

William T. Coleman, 85, of Peabody, died early Sunday afternoon at the Lahey Clinic in Burlington following a brief illness. He was the devoted husband of Mary Ellen (Burke) Coleman with whom he shared over 63 years of marriage. Born in Boston, he was the son of the late John and Anna (Peecha) Coleman. He was raised and educated in South Boston, later lived in San Diego and has spent the last 50 years living in Peabody. He was a veteran of World War II having served with the United States Navy. He worked as a sheet metal worker for over 45 years before retiring in 1982. He was a member of the Sheet Metal Workers Union, local 17, Loyal Order Moose, Malden Lodge 1910 for 32 years and of the American Legion, Boston Chapter. In addition to his love for family, he was a talented gardener who enjoyed sharing the fruits of his labor with all. Besides his loving wife, he is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, William T. and Lucy Coleman Jr. of Salem, a daughter and son-in-law, Alaine and Daniel Geary of Danvers, a sister, Mary Murphy of Quincy; five grandchildren, D.J. Geary Jr., Jack Belsito, Joy Garcia, Kristy and Amy Coleman, 4 great grandchildren, Daniel J. Geary, III, Ryan Belsito, Zachary Garcia, and Johanna M. Geary; a son-in-law, John Belsito of Oxford, and is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was the father of the late Joan Belsito and brother of the late Margaret McElroy, Helen Mills, Claire Hennessey, John Coleman, Dorothy Freeman, Anne Flaherty, and Richard and George Coleman. His funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 10:00 AM from the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 12 Chestnut St., Peabody Facility, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM in St. John’ s Church, Peabody, to which relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visitation on Tuesday from 4 until 8 PM Burial in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody. Donations can be made in his name to the North Shore Elders Service, 57 Sylvan St., Danvers, MA 01923 or a charity of one’ s choice.