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Philip Coleman Obituary
PAXTON - Philip M. Coleman, 68, passed away on Monday, July 12th at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston.
Survived by wife Gwen, daughters Colleen and Sylvia, brother Robert B. Coleman (Barbara) of Marstons Mills, MA, and sister Jane M. Coleman, M.D. of Wellesley, MA, as well as many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by parents Wilfred G. and Mary Louise Coleman, and brother Paul T. Coleman, D.D.S.
Phil was educated in the Worcester Public Schools and graduated from Doherty Memorial High School. He attended Norwich University where he played hockey for four years. One of his greatest joys was the competition and camaraderie he continued to have throughout his life with many of his hockey teammates.
Professionally, Phil started his career in sales at Louisiana Pacific in their building materials division. He realized his life-long dream of owning his own small business when he started Collegiate Window Systems about 25 years ago, and grew it into a widely recognized and respected replacement window company in Massachusetts. He was an excellent salesman and loved his work.
Phil spent much of his youth in Newfoundland during the summer months. Spending time with many of his relatives, playing organized baseball, and trout fishing were always a frequent part of his conversations over the years. In January of 2020, Phil and his family decided to bring a Newfoundland dog into their home.
Phil received excellent care and treatment for a rare lymphoma from Dr. Eric Jacobsen and his team at Dana-Farber Institute in Boston.
Calling hours are Thursday, July 15, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester. The funeral Mass will be Friday, July 16, at 10 a.m. in St. George's Church, 38 Brattle St., Worcester. Burial will be private.
In place of flowers, please make donations in memory of Phil Coleman to the Worcester Junior Railers Youth Hockey Club Scholarship Fund, 112 Harding St., Worcester, MA 01604.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Philip Coleman
Sponsored by Athy Memorial Home - Worcester.
Jay Manning
July 7, 2024
Wow! Time flies, Phil. Hard to believe. Continued peace to you buddy. Keep your skates sharp.
J
michael donahue
July 12, 2023
Thinking of Phil today, aka Moody, Junior LeTanco, White Owl, the Commissioner - - the list goes on. Like Cam, I miss the 2-3 calls and hang-ups , the constant riddles of Alphabet talk, and his rants while skating on a pond in Princeton to whomever was in earshot on their lack of hockey ability. He was a piece of work, to say the least !
My best to Gwen and the girls .
Gator
Cam McGregor '76
July 7, 2023
I still miss Phil (White Owl) and his daily/weekly phone calls and hang ups so I would have to call him back. A great friend and always there for you when you needed him. Always wish Gwen and the family the best, and pray Phil's memory keeps them happy in the fact he loved them deeply.
Cam McGregor '76
February 14, 2023
I miss Phil's phone calls at any hour of the day, the short ones, the longer ones and his great thoughtfulness and humor. He is greatly missed. He was a great person. Fond thoughts to Gwen and the rest of the family.
Sherry & Butch Prescott
May 16, 2022
Gwen and family: We are so sorry to hear about Phil. We just heard today as we were thinking about him and looked on line. Phil was such a wonderful person and we will always cherish the fun conversations we have had with him along with the times we got to spend with him. May he rest in peace.
Jeffrey Bayens
October 31, 2021
Phil coached with me for my brothers team in stlouis, spent every weekend and holidays at our home. Best guy I ever knew. God bless his family. Will miss you old buddy.
Bill Shepard
October 28, 2021
I have so many memories; all great times. Our friendship was a very special gift. May you rest peacefully and thanks for being a friend.
Scott Channell
July 19, 2021
Please let me start by offering my sincerest condolences to the entire family. Phil was one of a kind and I will miss him. He was a customer, but more importantly he was my friend. He and I shared a love for contact sports, Phil Hockey of course and me lacrosse. Whenever he needed something for his customer he would give me one of "those calls". From reading the wonderful memories, I think many know what I mean. He would use a sports metaphors of both hockey and lacrosse to make sure I understood exactly what he needed for his customers. Phil's word was his bond, and he expected nothing less from any one of us. I will truly miss the sports and business talks. Gone too soon, but his memory will live on forever. God bless.
Ernie and Jennifer Duarte
July 19, 2021
As long time customers, Phil provided excellent service and went out of his way to accommodate our needs.
Despite his health issues, he always spoke optimistically and we'll miss talking with him. Our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.
Kevin Cahill
July 17, 2021
Growing up 22 and 24 Highland Terrace seemed like one. I can't remember a time that you were not a part of our lives. So many memories. To many to put into words here. The roaring fire place, swimming at "the Private Place" with your Father and Bobby, Stories about trips to Corner Brook, the adventures of Billy Collins, Cabot and Gilbert, Wif & Louise. Life will not be the same without you. Gwen thank you for loving Phil. He loved you and the girls so much. RIP dear friend
Dave Santom
July 16, 2021
Gwen, Colleen and Sylvia...my deepest condolences...wonderful guy and great friend...we are all better for knowing him...he is already organizing the pond hockey games in Heaven.....God bless...
Madeline Cahill
July 15, 2021
Gwen, Colleen & Sylvia,
I am so sorry about Phil's passing. He was one of the first friends of Pete's that I met and I will always remember his frequent phone calls and check-ins... he was always very kind to me and entertaining. I am picturing a heavenly reunion skate with Billy Cahill.
Keeping all of you in my prayers and thoughts as you navigate life without him.
Take care,
Madeline (Cahill)
Cam McGregor
July 15, 2021
Gwen, Suzanne and I send you and your daughters our heartfelt sympathy and respect. Phil was always there for me whenever I was going through a bad time. He always rallied the troops when anyone needed some uplifting in spirit. He will be sorely missed and I am proud to have been his friend, and yours as well.
Pierre & Jennifer Farley-Paxton neighbors
July 15, 2021
Gwen, Sylvia & Colleen
So sorry for the loss of your husband/dad.
We´ll miss seeing Phil walking, a good Hockey discussion and of course the "corn" from Western MA
Bill Walsh
July 15, 2021
The pic In my entry shows Jeff Baldwin sitting next to Dennis Erickson.
Dennis Erickson '77
July 14, 2021
Phil "White Owl" Coleman was a captain of the 1975 Norwich hockey team. He owned that locker room. I can't help but smile thinking of all the ribbing and good natured abuse he dished out (and took). He did it in a way that demanded respect, fostered team unity and had a ton of fun doing it. I was two years behind him and from the Worcester area so he and I had many many memorable rides, to Cohasset summer hockey league games and of course the drives on rt 89 north up to Norwich. I remember one ride Phil was driving and I was in the passenger seat. We were at the Hookset tollbooth. These were the days when there was a basket that you threw your two quarters in to pay the toll. He made me, from the passenger seat, do a hook shot over the roof of the car to the toll gate basket. He kept giving me quarters until I made the light turn green. He sure got a laugh out of that and I'm laughing now thinking of it. That was typical Phil. He was a big reason I stuck it out and made it thru Norwich. Thank you Phil. You will be missed.
Jim Segar 76'
July 14, 2021
We all in the Norwich family feel the loss of one of our fellow teammates and offer our prayers for Phil and the family.
Norwich University Ice Hockey is where we met. We played many games together and made tons of memories. One moment stands out, we were visiting Merrimack who was 19-1 and NU was 9-9. We were not given a chance, but the score was tied 2-2 late in the game and Phil scored his biggest goal of his career to give Norwich the win. The smile on his face was ear to ear. One moment that I will never forget.
I am grateful to have Phil as a teammate and friend.
God Bless!
Jim Segar 76'/77'
Bill Volin
July 14, 2021
Leinenkugel Summer Shanty, South Hadley fresh corn, and firewood. Lots and lots of firewood! I'll miss you my good friend.
Bill Walsh '77
July 14, 2021
Phil "White Owl" Coleman was the real deal. A unique character for sure and a man of integrity.
My condolences to his family and to his NU hockey teammates.
I took the below pic at the old Jack's Backyard after a March 2019 game. L-R is Phil, Peter Pomponi, Dennis Erickson, ? sorry, Jeff Baldwin, & Donny Ryley.
Bob " Sunshine" Hillier
July 14, 2021
Gwen & Family...May the memories you have of Phil lift your heavy hearts and bring smiles to your faces for many years to come. Grief is the price we pay for love.
Norwich Forever,
Bob Hillier
Class of 1975
Jimmy Garvey
July 14, 2021
Phil, ,´White owl´, Coleman was one of the best Norwich hockey teammates I ever had. He kept things lite with his rye sense of humor, but wasn´t afraid to call a teammate on the carpet if he though that player needed to `buck up´ in their commitment.
Phil was also sincere and honest and you always knew he had your back, and he knew too that this guy had his. I will keep you in my prayers and thoughts my old friend and teammate.
Frank Baglione
July 14, 2021
I played hockey with Phil at Norwich University. He played center and I was his Left Wing man. I was a Freshman that year, he a senior. Phil was my mentor and friend, one of the best people I have ever met. I will miss him.
Butch Lamarre
July 14, 2021
So many good times at the Wich. Many hockey games in Barre. You´ll be missed.
Paul "Demo" DiMarco NU '75
July 14, 2021
To the family, I am sorry for your troubles.
I have fond memories of Phil in the following ways. In 1971 Phil & I were freshman rooks in the same company at Norwich and we became close friends. We wore Jersey 25 to honor our bond as freshman varsity athletes, he in hockey and me in lacrosse. That year at Norwich, before Christmas break, he called me to his room where he had put in the corner a giant pine tree he had just cut down, asking me, "Can you smell it? CAN YOU SMELL IT?" and he said he loved the smell. Later that year we hitchhiked to Worcester where I met his dad Wilf and Phil's brother, and the family's "big lumbering Newf" as Phil called his beloved dog, and we went to a pond and watched the Newf swim, and Phil said, "Look at him! LOOK AT HIM?" as we both laughed. Every summer I got a colorful postcard from Newfoundland from Phil who told me with joy about all the fish he had caught. I still have them.
He was an unforgettable guy and I am happy to have known him and to have been his classmate and more importantly to have been his friend.
Tony Mariano
July 14, 2021
Gwen, I cannot tell you how sorry Gail and I were to hear of Phil's passing. He was a loyal Norwich alum who loved Norwich Hockey and all of his teammates. Words cannot express our sadness and we want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Ray, Sally, Chris, Todd and Eric Trottier
July 14, 2021
Dear Bob, Barbara, and the Coleman Family,
Our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your Dear Brother, Phil.
May the wonderful memories you have bring comfort and peace.
Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Ed & Ruth. Rojcewicz
July 14, 2021
Those we love don´t go away they walk beside us everyday unseen unheard but always near
Robert and Tina Coleman
July 14, 2021
We were so blessed to enjoy Phil's last trip to NL. He and Bob shared a lovely evening with Tina and myself. Phil talked lovingly about you Gwen and girls Colleen and Sylvia but full disclosure, He did go on and on about Badger!
We exchanged old stories, recollections about friends and we especially savored those stories whilst he was working under his dads tough rule. What an unforgettable and fabulous visit, for we laughed, ranted and roared like true Newfoundlanders late into the evening. It was indeed a gift.
Phil was an incredible life force, a determined advocate for strong family ties, a man of truth, of moral strength and loyalty and he was indeed a proud Newfoundlander.
These are earned human qualities, highly prized by any standard. So we will miss Phil Coleman, "a mountain of a man". We send to you all our deepest sympathy.
Bob and Tina Coleman, Corner Brook, NL
Nancy Maintanis
July 14, 2021
Colleen, sorry to hear of your loss. May fond memories provide some comfort during this difficult time.
Bill Martin
July 14, 2021
Gone too soon. Phil will be joining his hockey pals at the Big Rink. Phil was a legend within the hockey world. His stories would have you laughing the minute he walked into the locker room. So many hockey games, from the old Worcester Arena to games in Canada, Florida and epic games in Lewiston, Maine. Phil knew so many hockey players and kept their phone numbers handy. If you were lucky enough to get one of his calls you knew you were in for a great hockey conversation. You will be greatly missed Phil.
Dominic Scavone
July 14, 2021
Gwen, Colleen and Sylvia, prayers for you and family. Phil was one of the greatest people I had the pleasure of knowing. RIP Phil.
Jay Manning
July 14, 2021
Huge, huge, HUGE loss! :(
Gwen, Sylvia May, Colleen... I was so sorry and saddened to learn this news. My deepest condolences.
It is no exaggeration to say that Phil was one-of-a-kind and "larger than life". A fantastic guy who was always first with the shovel or snowblower (along with non stop, good-natured ribbing) when a pond hockey game threatened to break out.
I'll greatly miss our monthly sessions at my office... some chiropractic treatment, and a lot more laughs. Phil would always lift the mood of any room he entered.
Rest in peace my friend.
j
Chris Dufault
July 14, 2021
Phil's passing leaves a tremendous void in my life and -- I'm certain -- the lives of so many of his great friends. Gwen, Colleen and Sylvia: my sincere condolences. I know you have so many great memories of Phil and I hope these help to temper your grief. He will be greatly missed.
Joe Sharry
July 14, 2021
God Bless
Paul White
July 14, 2021
My Deepest Sympathy to the Coleman Family. Rest in Peace My good friend.
Paul White
July 14, 2021
It´s hard to believe my good buddy, Phil, is gone. When I think of Phil, I think of a strong, competitive, larger-than-life figure who never was short of words and lived and breathed hockey. He was a loyal friend who acted like a big kid at times making you laugh, but was always there to give you a pep talk when you needed it. Phil made an impression wherever he went. He was genuinely interested in people and took the time to talk with strangers who were no longer strangers once their conversation was over. He adored his family and life. Although you´re now gone, Phil, I´ll never forget the innumerable good times we had together. Rest well, my friend.
Dean T Binienda
July 14, 2021
May you rest in peace old friend, I will treasure our hockey talks forever. You were a true character, and a joy. I will miss you terribly sir
Robert "Razz" Raslavsky
July 14, 2021
My Most Heartfelt Condolences to Gwen, Coleen and Sylvia and the Coleman Family! Phil and I met in grammar school and were friends for many, many years! A Great Man and always Loved and Respected him! We met last year with another great friend, John Dolan, at my house in North Brookfield and loved hearing Phil's stories about hockey and all our old buddies!! I know with Phil's heart, dedication and hard work, he should have made it to the NHL!!! He was just here a month or so ago to give me a quote on some windows. I know he looked tired, but, had no idea he was so sick! That was Phil!! Tough as nails and would Never let anyone know any different!! Love you Phil and will Always Miss you!!!! Razz
Paul LaVenture
July 13, 2021
What I remember about Phil is Hockey, Hockey, Hockey! I played with Phil on the Central Mass Rusty Blades for about 10 years and you could always hear him calling for the puck or teasing one of the guys. He was a riot on the bench and 'one of a kind' that will always be remembered fondly. He gave me some tips on the game and would tell me if I had a good game. Whenever I hear his name, it brings a smile to my face recalling some of his antics. A good guy who will be missed in the hockey world.
Michael Donahue
July 13, 2021
Gwen, Colleen and Sylvia -- my sincere condolences to your family on the loss of one unique individual. I have known Phil for over 50 years, from skating on Elm Park to numerous tournaments from St. Pete Beach, Fla. to Montreal Canada. Putting it mildly, we had a ball ! -- with stories that never get old -- and will continue to be told ! I will miss him terribly -- as you will .
RIP my friend
Gator
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