John Clinton Coleman

John Clinton Coleman, 60, of Lincolnwood, Illinois passed away on January 23, 2026. He was born in the mid-1960s in Farmington, New Mexico, and was lovingly adopted at birth by the late George and Barbara Coleman, a young couple who welcomed him as the child they had long hoped for.

Raised in Farmington, John grew up in a structured, traditional household. His childhood was filled with love and spiritual guidance from his mother and grandmother, both of whom were devoted members of their church. As he matured, he became increasingly aware of his identity and his need for self-expression. Seeking greater independence, he enrolled in boarding school as a high school freshman, where he courageously came out as a gay teenager-a bold act in the early 1980s. In January of his junior year, he transferred to St. John's Preparatory, where he found community among a small group of fellow gay students. During this era, living openly required remarkable courage.

During the summers of his high school years, John spent time in Denver, Colorado, where he began exploring gay culture and formed a lifelong friendship with David Gay, who became a trusted mentor and companion. In the mid-1980s, David helped John relocate to Washington, D.C., to attend Catholic University of America. There, John became a supportive friend to classmates navigating their own journeys, introducing them to the vibrant community in the Dupont Circle neighborhood.

In the late 1980s, John transferred to the Rhode Island School of Design to study graphic design. He found his stride academically and socially, graduating in the spring of 1989 with honors and one month of sobriety-a turning point in his life. He recognized that to build the relationships and career he desired, he needed to commit to recovery.

John returned to Washington, D.C., where he lived with David during his early sobriety. The city and the recovery community there became foundational to his transformation. In the early 1990s, he founded Coleman Design Group, which grew into a thriving firm with over 20 employees before being affected by the dot-com bubble.

In the late 1990s, John set his intention to find a life partner and connected online with Frank Bruno of New Jersey. After three weeks of daily phone conversations lasting hours, they met in person in the late summer of 1997. Their relationship blossomed into a deep commitment to building a life together.

Following the events of September 11, 2001, John and Frank made significant life changes. They sold John's business and their suburban home and relocated to Chicago, where they have remained ever since. John transitioned into real estate, finding fulfillment in helping others achieve their dreams of homeownership.

It was in Chicago that John's spiritual life deepened profoundly through Alcoholics Anonymous. The thread of AA passed through John-from being sponsored by Cindy, Julie, RJ, and Donald over more than 36 years, and through the many sponsees he guided-weaving him into the very fabric of the program. This spiritual thread gave him far more than long-term sobriety; it became a foundation that was beyond beautiful-it was everything. Through this work, John came to understand that deep within every man, woman, and child lies the fundamental presence of God, and from this understanding emerged a profound truth: there is only one relationship, and that is with God in each person. This spiritual practice became the cornerstone of his life.

In the mid-2000s, John and Frank decided to start a family and moved into a home they had designed and built together. Shortly before their son's arrival, they embarked on a month-long "baby-moon" to Australia and New Zealand, knowing that international travel would become more limited once they became parents. Their son, Brandon, was born in the spring of 2007, bringing immeasurable joy to their lives. John embraced fatherhood wholeheartedly, fulfilling one of his greatest dreams.

Parenthood opened up a world of new possibilities, connecting John and Frank with many other parents and families who greatly enriched their lives. One family in particular became cherished travel companions, joining them on adventures to Alaska, Canada, England, Iceland, Norway, and France. International travel remained a beloved passion throughout John's life.

John's life was marked by courage, authenticity, and an unwavering commitment to love-love for his husband, his son, his recovery community, and the divine presence he recognized in every person. He lived fully and truthfully, creating a legacy of compassion, service, and deep spiritual connection.

John is survived by his devoted husband, Frank Bruno, whose deep and enduring love was the foundation upon which their relationship stood and blossomed; by his son, Brandon, who taught him the infinite depths of a parent's love; and by his cherished siblings Chris (Stacey), Katie and Jeff (Meg).

Friday, February 13th 4-7pm memorial visitation at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 6150 N. Cicero Ave., Chicago, IL 60646. Saturday, February 14th family and friends will meet at Queen of All Saints Basilica, 6280 N Sauganash Ave, Chicago, IL 60646, for a funeral mass at 10am. Private entombment Memorial Park Cemetery.