Douglas L. Coleman

Douglas J. Coleman, 67, of Watkins Glen, passed away Nov. 5, 2021.

Born in 1954, in Salzburg, Austria, a child of the U.S. Army to parents serving in the post-war occupation of Europe. He followed his family everywhere throughout numerous military moves until settling in Watkins Glen at "The Old Miller Farm" on Jennings Road in 1963 with his mother and father, the late Maj. James P. Coleman and Catherine J. Coleman; siblings, James P. Coleman, Eileen, Thomas, Mary and Catherine.

Doug was a 1973 graduate of Watkins Glen High School. During his high school and college days, he was a gifted athlete in tennis and football, holding a record for the longest punt at Watkins Glen High School and being a ranked tennis player in college.

After service in the Army, he took a B.S and M.S. at Geneseo State, thereafter becoming a well-known teacher at Dundee for more than 30 years. During his teaching career, he led the girls' track team to become the winningest track coach in New York State up to that time. (88 straight)

A strong patriot, he was a member of the American Legion and VFW, a dedicated NYSDEC firearms instructor and a fierce supporter of republican government - that it would not "perish from the earth."

Doug is survived by his siblings, Lt. Col. James P. Coleman (USAR, retired), Eileen Boyle, Tom Coleman, Mary Sopp and Catherine Coleman; his son, Connor Davis; numerous beloved nieces and nephews; and the whole Coleman Clan in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania.

Calling hours will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 19, at Royce Chedzoy Funeral Home, Watkins Glen. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 20, at St. Mary's of the Lake Church, Watkins Glen. Graveside committal will follow the Mass and will be at 12:15 p.m. in Holy Cross Cemetery, Watkins Glen. You may share a memory of Doug with his family and friends by visiting his obituary at www.RoyceChedzoy.com.