Jan. 30, 1927 -- Nov. 11, 2005

Harold L. "Hal" Coleman, 78, of Remington Court, Mishawaka, died Friday, November 11, after an extended illness in the Ironwood Health & Rehabilitation Center, South Bend.

Hal was born January 30, 1927, in Petersburg, Indiana, to John L. and Vesta (Meadors) Coleman, who both preceded him in death. While an infant, his family moved to Mishawaka, and he remained a lifelong resident of South Bend. Hal was a graduate of Central High School and attended the University of Notre Dame. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII and was honorably discharged. On July 12, 1947, at Notre Dame, he married the late Dorothy J. Reha. They divorced in 1978.

Hal is survived by his devoted friend and companion, Sharon Nickison, who stayed faithfully at his side throughout his recent illness. He is also survived by two daughters, Maureen "Mo" (John) Marnocha of Granger and Sioban (Safa) Saddawi of South Bend; and by six sons, Kevin of Mishawaka, Kelly (Claire), Michael (Cathy), Sean (Kate), Tim (Betsy) and Terry (Kirn), all of South Bend. Grandpa Harold is also survived by 17 grandchildren, Irene Coleman of Woodridge, Illinois, Joanne (Peter) Scott of Washington, D.C., John of Terre Haute, Kelli, Timmy, Molly, Megan, Maggie, Brian, lan, Casey, Riley, Quinn, Katie and Mitchell Coleman, all of South Bend, Matthew and Sean Marnocha of Granger; and by his new great-granddaughter, Isabella Coleman-Sullivan of Woodridge. Hal is also survived by a brother, John (Connie), and their children, Martin (Sara) Coleman and Sarah (Rich) Woodmansee, all of Indianapolis; and by a nephew, Bill Wright of Florida; and niece, Shelley Wright of Elkhart.

He was also predeceased by a brother, Thomas, and a sister, Margaret Wright, formerly of Elkhart.

Hal retired from Gilbert's Clothing store where he managed their Notre Dame campus operation, and also served as a department head at the downtown store. He was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus, the South Bend Press Club, and played softball with the P.A.'s until the age of 75.

Hal was a man of many interests, reflected by the various activities he undertook throughout his life. He was involved in local politics since his days as the head of the Young Democrats in the late 40s, and was active in local civil rights efforts throughout the 50s. He was elected to the South Bend Common Council in 1959, serving as the 1st District Representative through 1963. He fought vigorously for public housing which proved to be a controversial and volatile issue. After leaving elected office, he remained active by involving himself in various election campaigns, most notably for his childhood friend, John Brademas, and later for Congressman Tim Roemer and Mayor Joe Kernan in the 1990s. He imparted a deep sense of public service and civic ideals to his children.

He had a deep and abiding interest in local history being an amateur historian. He participated in historical re-enactments, playing the role of South Bend founder Alexis Coquillard during bi-centennial celebrations. Because of his keen understanding and knowledge of the events surrounding the early exploration of our community by Robert LaSalle and Father Hennepin, Hal worked with local news reporter Bill Warrick to produce a video highlighting their activities. Hal was instrumental in helping to discover what were thought to be long-lost plats of the original county seat, the town of St. Joseph. He reveled in sharing his thoughts and knowledge to his children (not always to their delight) concerning the geological history of the St. Joseph River and the Kankakee swamplands.

Hal's greatest interest was his children and grandchildren. He took great delight in their activities, attending nearly all their events. Hal touched a good many lives while coaching baseball at Chet Waggoner Little League and also at Holy Cross School. Though his years included a few championships, his emphasis was not solely on winning games, but rather on sportsmanship and the development of the individual player. His love of fishing bonded him in a special way with many of his grandchildren who enjoyed the delight of fishing with Grandpa and who now have fond memories to cherish.

Visitation will be 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. today, November 13, in the Welsheimer Funeral Home, 17033 Cleveland Road, South Bend. A Rosary will be held at 5 p.m. today. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, November 14, in Holy Cross Catholic Church, 1050 N. Wilber, South Bend. Burial will follow at the Riverview Cemetery, South Bend.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Holy Cross School Renaissance Campaign.