Michael Coleman

Michael T. Coleman, 52

Sturbridge - Michael T. Coleman, 52, of Sturbridge, MA, passed away unexpectedly at home on January 6th while recovering from valve replacement surgery in mid-December.

Mike is survived by his daughter Shea Jillian and son Patrick Michael, and their mother Erin Coleman. He is also survived by his family in upstate New York, his mother Barbara Ann Coleman, his father Ronald J. Coleman Sr., and his step-mother Ann Coleman, his five siblings Maureen Coleman, Michele Mallett and her partner Vince, Ronald Coleman Jr. and his fiancé Catherine, Timothy Coleman and his wife Dana, Jonathan Coleman and his wife Danielle, nieces and nephews Emily Kane and her husband Patrick , T.J., Tyler, Kaitlin, Willa, Eva, and Ruby Coleman.

Michael was born in Schenectady, NY. He was a graduate of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School and went on to graduate from UConn on a full athletic football scholarship. Mike excelled as an offensive tackle where he started as a 17 year old true freshman and went on to be captain his final season.

Mike started his career working for Coca-Cola while in college and continued for many years. He then went on to work for All-Star Incentive Marketing before finding his home with Arthrex and Kairos Surgical. He was loved and respected by his co-workers and the doctors and nurses he worked with.

Mike's great love was the game of football and he shared that love with the youth he coached and directed in the Tantasqua community. He worked tirelessly for the American Youth Football (AYF) League holding positions of president, treasurer, and most importantly coach. Mike was instrumental in bringing flag football to the league for grades K-8. You would often find Mike from dusk to dawn doing whatever needed to be done to bring his love of football to over 300 boys and girls who might not have had the opportunity to learn and enjoy the game.

Mike was a giving son, caring brother and generous uncle but most of all a proud and loving father . Mike's beautiful kids, Shea and Patrick were his number one priority. Of all of Mike's achievements being a dad was the greatest. Shea and Patrick will always carry the memory of his boundless love. Big Mike, as many knew, had a tough exterior and his funny quick witted sarcastic humor will be missed by so many.. But those of us who knew him, knew that underneath that exterior was a big sentimental teddy bear. Mike has left this earth far too soon and has left a giant void in our hearts that family and friends will never be able to fill. We are so thankful for the time we had with Mike and take some comfort in knowing he is enjoying good times with family that passed before him.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Sturbridge EMS and the staff at Harrington Emergency Department, especially Dr. Marie King for their compassionate care.

Mike's funeral will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 12th, from the Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, with a Mass at 11:00am in Notre Dame Church of the St. John Paul II Parish, 446 Main St., Southbridge. Burial will be held at the convenience of the family. Calling hours in the funeral home will be held on Monday, Jan. 11th, from 4:00 to 7:00pm.

The family request to please omit flowers, Michael's wish was that donations be made in honor of his brother, Timothy Coleman, to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, P.O. Box 91891, Washington D.C. 20090-1891.

www.morrillfuneralhome.com