DR. EDWARD J. COLMAN Jr.

COLMAN, Dr. Edward J., Jr. Age 83, retired Superintendent of Schools, died April 22. He was the husband of Ruth A. (Martel) Colman. Born in Dorchester, MA, son of the late Edward J. Colman and Eleanor J. (McDonough) Colman. He was a Swansea resident for twenty years, later residing in Fall River and Venice, FL. At the time of his retirement from the Johnston Public schools in 1988, he had served 32 years in the field of education. He attended Boston College, graduating in 1950. He was called to active duty in the Korean War in March, 1951 and rose from enlisted man to the rank of Naval Lieutenant. Dr. Colman was a member of the U.S. Naval reserve until his retirement as a Lieutenant-Commander in 1989 after 42 years of service. Following the war, he earned his Masters degree at State College at Boston and entered the field of education as an Elementary Teacher in the Quincy Public Schools in 1956. During his career he served as an elementary teacher, Principal in Burlington and Framingham, MA, Assistant Superintendent of Schools in Holbrook and New Bedford, MA, and Superintendent of Schools in Swansea, MA and Johnston, RI. He continued his education receiving a CAGS from Boston University in 1962 and a Doctor of Education degree from Nova University in 1977. Besides his wife, he leaves three children, Debra Horton of Colorado, Joanne MacMillan of Lowell, MA, Stephen Colman of Brockton, MA. and his step-children Keith Martel of Fall River, MA, Dennis Martel of Fall River, MA, and Kathryn Hayman of Chandler, AZ. His brother John Colman of Carver, MA, his sister Mrs. Claire McTavish of Dorchester, MA. In addition, Dr. Colman is survived by fourteen grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sons Edward J. Colman III (a.k.a. Bedford Karns) and Thomas Colman as well as his sister Eleanor Koenig. Dr. Colman was a member of the National Education Association, American Association of School Administrators, Association of School Business Officials, Massachusetts and Rhode Island Associations of School Superintendents, Mass. Retired Teachers Association, The Retired Officers Association, and the American Legion. A memorial service will be held at Saint Francis of Assisi Church, 530 Gardners Neck Rd., Swansea, MA, on Monday, May 13 at 11:00 AM. Please omit flowers. Memorial donations may be made to Philanthropy Department, Tidewell Hospice, 5955 Rand Boulevard, Sarasota, FL 34238 would be greatly accepted.