Robert Coleman Jr.

Robert Deloraine Coleman, Jr. of North Palm Beach, Florida passed away on October 6, 2022, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Rob is survived by his wife, Kristin (Hopkins); his children, Samantha, and Robert; his mother, Petronella A. Coleman (Eggersman), his father, Robert D. Coleman, Sr. (Joyce Kent), his mother-in-law, Kim Sharp and was predeceased by his father-in-law, Wayne Sharp. Chef Robert as he was known in the food industry, was born on November 4, 1967, in Annapolis, Maryland. He attended Annapolis High School and married his high school sweetheart Kristin Hopkins. He was a member of Boy Scout Troop 901, Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity at Salisbury University, Vice President of the Palm Beach Chef's Association, a member of the American Culinary Federation, Past President of the Palm Beach Gardens Youth Athletic Association, and current Treasurer for the PBGYAA Executive Board. Chef Robert spent nearly his entire professional life in the hospitality industry, in which he is remembered with unparalleled drive and kindness. First delivering the Evening Capitol to the House and Senate office buildings in Annapolis, Rob worked at the U.S. Naval Academy Officers Club, Middleton's Tavern, and the Annapolis Hotel. After attending Salisbury University, Rob went on to work in several area hotels and restaurants before his career led him to South Florida. Rob found his first jobs in Florida with The Jupiter Beach Resort and Starlite Catering where he made lifelong friends and expanded his knowledge of the catering and food service industry. Rob's career eventually led him to The Lord's Place, where he remained employed as the Director of Food Services until his passing. Chef Robert spent his time at The Lord's Place teaching new chefs how to operate in a commercial kitchen, whether that be through filling catering orders or working in a quick service kitchen like the one in the newly opened Joshua Deli- his last endeavor with the company. His commitment to The Lord's Place and the legacy he left behind will carry on for years to come. Chef Robert was larger-than-life. His most loveable and charismatic personality lit up every room he entered and lifted everyone's spirits. Never one to shy from a challenge, Chef Robert transformed the lives of countless individuals in their journey out of homelessness and helped build The Lord's Place Joshua Catering program into a successful business and job-training model. Chef Robert received the 2016 Culinary Educator of the Year award Issued by the American Culinary Federation, and the People's Choice Best Crab Cake Award, in 2012, 2013 and 2015. A celebration of life will take place on Thursday, October 27, 2022, from 4pm – 7pm at the Palm Beach Gardens Tennis Center located at 5110 117th Court North in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation in Robert's name be made to The Lord's Place, Café Joshua Culinary Training Program.