Rev. Joseph Coleman

Rev. Joseph Coleman ObituaryPastor Joseph Leroy Coleman finished his earthly journey on May 22nd, 2025 Joseph was born January 20, 1942, in New London, Connecticut, the first of 10 children born to Joseph and Emily Coleman.
In October, 1964, Joseph married Ollita Dace, of Detroit, Michigan, and to that union 2 daughters were born; Nicole Desiree Thornton (New London) and Carla, Regina Coleman (Maryland).
Joseph became a member of Walls Temple AME Zion Church, in September, 1972. He accepted Christ as his personal Savior on January 18th, 1975. In June, of 1976, he answered the call to preach the Gospel. He served as Associate Minister at Walls Temple for 7 years.
In August, of 1983, he was given the assignment to start a church in Groton, Connecticut. In September, 1983, St. John's AME Zion was founded. Under the direction of God, St. John's Christian Church became non-denominational in February, of 1985.
Joseph retired in 1998, after working 25 years at Pfizer and went into full time ministry. In 2000, he was appointed Police Chaplain for the City of Groton, under Chief Lawrence Gerrish. He faithfully served until his health prevented his participation in 2024.
Joseph, leaves to cherish his memory his wife Ollita; his four daughters, Marilyn Perry (Washington, DC), Angela Hoffman (Los Angeles, CA), Nicole and Carla; his grandchildren, Alexis Thornton (MA), Avonte Chasten (MD), Shanel McGriff (MD), Elizabeth Perry and Eric Perry (Washington, DC); 3 brothers, Elliot Coleman, Roderick Coleman and Christopher Dunn; 5 sisters, Charmaine Johnson, Marcella Plumber, Jacqueline Cluff, Sharon Robinson and Michelle Gibson, all in New London and Gales Ferry; most of all, his beloved church family, a host of nephews and nieces, cousins and friends.
Joe, was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Emily Coleman, one brother, Glenn Coleman and one sister, Brenda Floyd.
A wake will be held on Friday, May 30, 2025 from 5p.m. to 7p.m at St. John's Christian Church, 346 Shennecossett Rd. Groton, Connecticut.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 10a.m. at St. John's Christian Church, 346 Shennecossett Rd. Groton, Connecticut. Interment will be held in Cedar Grove Cemetery, New London, CT.
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Pastor Joseph Leroy Coleman finished his earthly journey on May 22nd, 2025 Joseph was born January 20, 1942, in New London, Connecticut, the first of 10 children born to Joseph and Emily Coleman.
In October, 1964, Joseph married Ollita Dace, of Detroit, Michigan, and to that union 2 daughters were born; Nicole Desiree Thornto