Melvin Lawrence Coleman, Sr.
September 18, 1942 ~ July 1, 2020
Melvin L. Coleman, Sr., of Weirton, WV, dedicated teacher, and coach, died Wednesday, July 1, 2020, two days after suffering a heart attack. He was 77 years old.
Mel was born in Wheeling, WV, on September 18, 1942, to Norville Bush and Roseann Lewis. He was raised by his mother, Roseann, and his father, David Coleman, along with his brother and sister. In addition, he had another sister in Anniston, AL.
Mel graduated from Wheeling Central High School and attended Bluefield State College on a basketball scholarship; this is where he met the love of his life, Nora Hatcher. He eventually transferred to Edward Waters College in Jacksonville, FL, where he continued playing Basketball. Mel played semi-pro ball with the New York Astros and also had a pro football try out with the Dallas Cowboys. Mel eventually earned his Master’s Degree plus 18 hours at West Virginia University.
He started his career in education that spanned over 50 years at Weirton Madonna High School as a science teacher and a football coach. The next year Mel was named Head Basketball Coach, one of four black coaches in the State of West Virginia. After leaving Madonna, he taught and coached football one year at Toronto High School before spending the next fourteen years at Wintersville High School, where he became the most winningest coach in school history and became OVAC Coach of the Year and named District 5 Coach of the Year for five consecutive years.
After Wintersville, Mel taught at Admiral King High School in Lorain, OH, before becoming the basketball coach at Norfolk State University for nine years. While at Norfolk State, he earned the Mid Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Runner-Up Coach of the Year. After a brief retirement, Mel continued as the head basketball coach at Maple Heights High School in Cleveland, OH, for three years before teaching at Capital High School in Charleston, WV. At the time of his passing, Mel was a substitute teacher in Brooke and Hancock Counties and was starting his third year of being the head basketball coach of the Brooke Bruins.
Mel also was involved with the Tri-State Sports Camp, Ohio State Basketball Camp, and the Five Star Basketball Camp, where he traveled to Turkey and France teaching Basketball with the top coaches in the world.
Mel then co-founded with Clyde DiAngelo, the Coleman-DiAngelo School of Basketball, which later became the Coleman School of Basketball, where he, his family, and dedicated staff including Paul T. Duffy and Mike Granato taught children from all over the Valley, the fundamental skills of Basketball, for thirty-five years.
Mel was inducted into the Weirton Madonna Hall of Fame, OVAC Hall of Fame, and was honored by Franciscan University Baron’s Club.
A father of six children and eleven grandchildren and one great-grandchild, Mel stressed education. Family vacations were many times to colleges or historic destinations, even though he did enjoy family times in the Outer Banks.
A member of the Knights of Columbus, Mel nourished his faith at Saint Paul’s Roman Catholic Church on Sunday’s where he volunteered his time with Lenten Fish Fries. He also went to weekday Mass at Saint Joseph the Worker Church and was active in This Man is You. He was also a member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity.
In addition to his parents, Mel was preceded in death by his sister, Dr. Helen Bush Caver, and his grandchild, Adrian.
He will be remembered with love by his wife of 57 years, Nora Hatcher Coleman, sons, Melvyn L. Coleman, Jr. (Lori) of Fairmont, WV, Patrick J. Coleman (Jody) of Harrisburg, PA, and Anthony N. Coleman (Alana) of Moon Township, PA; his three daughters, Melissa Coleman of Cross Lanes, WV, Kenyatta Coleman Grant (Derrick) of Charleston, WV and LaTasha R. Coleman of Barboursville, WV; his brother, David Coleman (Karen); his sister, Sharleen Meredith (Reed) his grandchildren, LaChelle Guinn, Mariah, Antuan, and Amiya Coleman, Madison and Micah Brotosky, Melvyn Elijiah Coleman, Savannah, Victor, and Kenleigh Grant; and one great-grandson, Carson Francis along with a host of nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and his great aunt, Annie Wright. He touched so many lives and will also be missed and remembered by former players, students, and many friends.
Visitation will be Friday, July 10, 2020, 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the Weirton Madonna High School Gymnasium.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 1:00 PM Saturday, July 11, 2020, at Saint Paul’s Roman Catholic Church.
Please meet at the church.
Facial masks and social distancing will be observed at the visitation and funeral.
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS memorial contributions may be made to the Scholarship Fund of the Coleman School of Basketball C/O Huntington Bank 215 Three Springs Drive Weirton, WV 26062.
The Coleman Family will like to express their appreciation and gratitude to the Weirton Medical Center staff and Weirton Madonna High School for their kindness and support during this time.
Share tributes and memories at www.grecohertnick.com 304 748 3219
To the family, I was deeply saddened to hear of my friends (Mel) passing! I know it is hard, but I wish you peace! He was truly a outstanding individual and a great person! We know he “loved” that round ball. (smile) Bob Kelley
Our deepest sympathy, prayers, and love are sent to the Coleman family. Our community has lost a truly great man. It was an honor to know him. He was a great neighbor to my parents, cutting their grass knowing my Dad had bad knees. He will be missed greatly. Dr. Tony and Ruth Licata
Mr. Coleman made an impact on my life. He was my science teacher at Madonna. He was larger then life. I loved him. Sincerely, Karen Dorsch
Most influential coach I ever had. Tough on players but treated everyone the same no matter who you were. Really need people like this is today’s world. RIP
I’m grateful to have played basketball for Coach Coleman at Madonna in the early 1970’s. I can still hear his voice calling me “snail” during one practice because I wasn’t moving as fast as I should. My condolences to his family. Sandy (Richards) Ricciardi Madonna HS Class of 1972
I was there when you started coaching at Wintersville. I worked for you as a manager and a statistician, but I never felt like I wasn’t a real member of the team. Thanks to you, I grew to love basketball and more importantly, I gained some true confidence and maturity that I was lacking before. You made this ackward clueless teenager feel important and that meant more than I can describe. Thank you for everything.
My condolences to the Coleman family! I have so many wonderful memories of Mr. Coleman growing up, as our families were very close. The coaching lessons this brilliant man imparted on so many will last a lifetime, and his legacy will never die. RIP, Mr. Coleman; you will be missed, but never forgotten. ❤️
Nora and family. We want to express our deepest sympathy to you and your family. From our first meeting at Madonna High School we were in awe of Mr. Coleman. He was a man who commanded respect and admiration. But at the same time he could make you laugh. It has been a pleasure seeing both of you out and about at our favorite restaurants. He always teased me about not cooking. We will miss him. We will not be able to attend the viewing or Mass as we are visiting our children. Our love and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. May he rest in peace
Anyone who knew Mr Coleman looked up to him. Not just because he was a tall man, but because he was such a pillar of our community. In Education, sports, as a husband, father, Catholic, and all around good man. Mr Coleman was a fine example of what we all strive to be. I am very fortunate to have known him, to have him visit me at my office, to sit next to him at Sunday Mass, and to know his fine sense of humor. All of us that know him realize we lost a great man. He was a gift to anyone who knew him.
Mrs Coleman and family, my heart broke into a million pieces when I heard the world had lost your husband and father. He meant the world to me at Madonna, I took stats for him for 4 years for the basketball team and spent so much time together. He taught me so much more about life than any other person I have met then and since. There are so many memories that I have shared with my classmates of MHS ’74 that I could write a page however one phase stood out in all those conversations,” Mr Coleman made me who I am today.. or Mr.Coleman taught me to”. Know he was so loved by many and I hope that brings comfort. Heaven has gained an amazing Angel
I’m saddened to hear the news of the passing of Mel Coleman. The most intellectual, knowledgeable and altruistic coach to ever teach me basketball. R. I.P. DADDY O. Eli Turner Lewis Center Ohio.
So very sad to hear of Mr. Coleman’s passing. He was a true pillar of the community. I got to know him when I served on the Weirton Human Relations Committee with him years ago. What a caring and compassionate leader! He will be missed by the many lives he touched. Delores King
I believe I met Mr Coleman (I could not and still cannot call him “Mel”) in my Sophomore year at Weirton Madonna. I immediately liked him. And grew to love him. I remember the respect he showed to us students. And the respect he expected in return. It was always Mr. Ference in the school setting. But “Big Man” on the field and in the world. I was “blasted” by him more than once. And I DID deserve it. I remember my Junior year football when, as I was leaving the field, he pulled me aside and said, “Son, you gettin’ blown outta there like “s**t paper”. The offensive guard was a little dude and he was coming in lower on me than I could handle. So, I asked Coach Coleman how to handle him. He gave me straight up instructions and that guard never “beat” me for the rest of the game. I’m not being overly sentimental but….If I could have chosen my father it would have been Mr. Coleman. He was and is a special man among men. I had hoped to see him again at our next class reunion. But, sadly, that will not be. So, from the very depth of my very being … Mr. Coleman, I love you. Thank you for trying to set me straight. ( I should have listened) But now and until we meet again, I shall cherish the days and years through which we knew each other. Rest in peace, coach. A job well done. And I’m sure Heaven has a fabulous court. Show ’em how it’s done. To the friends and family of Mr. Coleman, my heart breaks and the tears flow. I am so very sorry for your loss. I pray that angels would comfort you and help you through this very trying time. Rest assured. He will be missed. God’s peace to all… Rest now, sir. we have the line. In sad gratitude, Don Ference….Philia
Nora and family , My deepest sympathy to you and your family . Mr Coleman was a true gentleman and will be truly missed by all. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God, Rest In Peace , Amen. Debra (Barto) Sheridan MHS 77
Mrs. Coleman and family, Our love and prayers are with you in this difficult time. Mr. Coleman was an inspiration to me and many others during his wonderful life. His work with young people serves as a fitting legacy. May he rest in peace. God bless. Jim “Rollo” and Anne Paul
Dear Mrs.Coleman and family, Your husband will sorely be missed by the Madonna family that he taught and influenced with his stern demeanor but gentle passion for perfection. He will always be remembered as one person that I looked up to as someone who worked hard for his family to make sure they had the best start in life; education. My prayers go out to all of you. Sincerely, Cathy Mueller/ Arango , Madonna Class of 1972
Mel Jr., My condolences for the loss of your family patriarch. Reading your father’s obituary, he lead an extraordinary life. Michael Suray #556
So sorry to hear of his passing. Many prayers for Mel, Lori, Elijah and all the family. What a legacy he leaves behind. This sounds like a man who lived with no regrets. One who with a purpose-filled life. We should all live by his example. Much love and prayers of support, Brenda Hamrick, FAIRMONT, WV.
To the Coleman family: Mr. Coleman was one of my favorite customers at the bank. This man always had a great attitude on life. He will be greatly missed. The Lord must have needed another angel.
With deepest sympathy from Shelley and Hayden Greenlief.
To the great one! You where a gift to the world. Your buddy the eke man!
Having the opportunity to meet and become acquainted with Mr. Coleman while substitute teaching at Brooke High, the experience was one of the best. We had many great conversations about our teaching and life experiences. consider it an honor to have spent that time with such a nice man.
Mr. Coleman was the absolute best teacher and coach and person! He holds a special place in our family’s memories of our years in Weirton and Madonna. Rest in peace, Mr. Coleman.
World Class athlete, World Class Human. I hope for peace and comfort to his family and friends.
Nora and the Coleman Family The world lost a very great human being who was very dedicated to his family, his profession and to the young people he came into contact with whether it was in the classroom or on the field of competition. Mel was to me a friend and a coach, with whom I had the pleasure of trying to match wits. He was willing to answer question or offer suggestion when asked and always unassuming. To me Mel was a very great man. My family and l are very saddened with Mel’s passing and we are also want you to know we are sorry that we can not be there to pay our respects because we are out of town. Please accept our condolences. Dave (Coach) and Vicki Reitter BJ Reitter and family Jaime (Reitter) Lash and family Brent Reitter
“Coach Coleman” is how I will always remember him. I loved going to “Coleman Camp” as a kid. I was intimidated by him, but admired him for his stern kindness and ability to discipline. He always joked around with me, as I was a cheerleader and played basketball for much of my life — “You can’t be a cheerleader AND a basketball player!” (His daughter Tasha always stood up for me, because she also participated in both. Lol.) When he was talking, every single person in the room was listening, no matter when or where. He demanded respect in a way that made it so easy for others to give to him. Coach Coleman was one of a kind. Everyone that knew him loved him and learned something from him. Prayers to the Coleman family during this difficult time.
I taught with Mel for several years at Buchanan Junior High for several years. I admired him, not only for his teaching skills and basketball skills, but for being a dedicated family man and overall fine human being. It’s sad he was called to coach and teach for the Lord because he had so much more to give. I’m proud to have known him. Floyd McFadden
My sincere and deepest condolences to the family and friends of Coach “Mel”. I knew him from my youthful years when he played basketball for Wheeling Central. He was always a gentleman. Denny Albaugh
Condolences to Nora and Family.. Melvin was a friend and teammate9CCHS ’61). He went on to be great in all aspects of life. Truly a great man, RIP Daddio.
My greatest coach and mentor. Other than my family, coach Coleman was my most respected and loved person. Thank you for your example. Doug Mosti
I first met Mel in Graduate School back in the 1970s. He was so friendly and easy to get along with. Little did we know that in a few years we would be teaching in Wintersville and sharing a class room. We shared a lot of good times. He was a great guy and will be missed by many.
Inspired so many Jay & Dona Smith
So sorry to hear of Mr. Colman’s passing. He was a wonderful man with a love of giving. Thoughts and prayers to the family
Very nice tribute Floyd.
My deepest sympathy and prayers to the entire Coleman family. Coach was a big influence on my coaching and playing career even though I went to Steubenville Catholic Central. He was my coach at many basketball camps and in the OVAC All-Star game. It then was a pleasure to work for him and Clyde DiAngelo for many years as a coach at their basketball school from the beginning until I moved to Akron to teach. He was there to talk technique and to help in any way. I also had the great pleasure to play with his sons many times in area tournaments and became great friends with them. It was a great honor to have known him and his family!
Mel Jr. (and Family): Growing up in Weirton, and becoming familiar with you as a classmate, you stood out as an exceptional person. Now, as I read your father’s obituary, you stand testament as his legacy. Although I never new your siblings, I am certain they are of equal stature. I extend my prayers to you all as his sudden unexpected loss must be very dishelving. God certainly has called your father to Heaven. May I also extend words to your mother of sincere thankfulness. In 2005 my own mother had pancreatic cancer. When your mother heard of my mother’s condition, she went out of her way to visit my mom at home. My mother was so touched and spoke fondly of this special visit and the medal of Our Lady of Guadalupe your mother gave her. Your parents are in the category of humbly awesome! And that is how I remener you. Thank you so very much. Respectfully, Stanley Tuchalski
Deepest sympathies to Mel’s family. His life set an example for others to follow and was an inspiration to so many, particularly all of the kids whose lives were helped by his leadership and thoughtfulness.
My condolences to Mrs Coleman and the entire Coleman family. Mr Coleman influenced many young lives as a teacher and coach and always served as a positive role model. May he rest in peace.
Mr. Coleman came to Weirton Madonna when our country was in crisis. He taught us so much, through his words, his actions, his life. Our class of 1971 dedicated our yearbook to him “because of his devotion to the things that mean so much to students….because of his devotion to the people who mean so much to him”. He made a lasting mark. Those we love live in our hearts forever. My sympathies to the Coleman family. Judy Rash
With deepest sympathy, we send our love & prayers
I was at Madonna when Mr. Coleman 1st came. I knew he was someone special from the moment I met him. I could say so much about his leadership, intelligence, goodness & wit! Suffice it to say that he was a mentor to me and a true role-model for me. I was proud to call him Coach! John Harcharic; MHS Class of 1970
We are so very truly sorry for your loss.
To the Coleman Family , sorry to read of your loss. Your family are in our prayers. I had the pleasure of coaching with Mel in the OVAC all-star game , we had a lot of fun. Great Guy, Great Family, and God will put him to work when he enters Heaven. Randy Lincicome, Grove City, Ohio
My sincere condolences to your family, sir. Thank you for being an influence in my life. Your words still ring in my head. My two favorite sayings of yours: “to build a house, you gotta lay a foundation” and ” only the pure in heart shall survive”. Rest in peace. Jim Desantis Weir Madonna 1974
With deepest sympathy from all the Sadlers to all the Colemans. God Bless
What a great time the early 70’s was at Madonna HS. For athletes, it was the dream team of Coaches, Miller, Mahoney, Zanieski, Coleman, Gill, and O’Brien. At the core of that pride and school spirit was Mr. Coleman. Father, teacher, coach, and mentor, that spirit lives on through the many lives he touched. I am grateful and my thoughts and prayers go out to Mrs. Coleman and the family. Blessings, John DeSantis 73′.
Thanks Stan for your very kind words. Dad will be missed, but we will carry on his legacy. Blessings to you and your family!
Thanks Shelley and Hayden. Shelley, sorry for your loss as well.
My deepest sympathy to all of the Coleman family, I just heard of the passing of Mr Coleman and will always remember him as one of the nicest men in the world, I will miss seeing him at St Paul’s school and church, he would always beep and wave whenever I would see him out driving and he always had a smile, our community has lost one of its greatest may God be with the Coleman family you are all in my thoughts and prayers
Mel and I were coaching friends for years. He hired me as his assistant at Norfolk State.So sorry to hear of his passing. A damn good coach, but an even more caring, loving, decent man. My sympathies and condolences to Nora and family. A coaching legend. – Jim Hammond
Dear Mel, Sorry to hear your father passed away. He was a great guy. All the best, Tom Harper
Will be missed by so many people, a great human being. God Bless you Mr. Coleman and his family.