John Charles Coleman, Sr.

John “Jack” “Jake” Charles Coleman, Sr., 86, husband of the late Mary Hilda Coleman nee Grothe, Baltimore, Maryland was called home by his loving wife on May 6, 2020 at home. Born December 18, 1933, he was the son of John Charles Coleman and Elsie Coleman Valenza, nee Wehn of Baltimore. Jack attended the school of hard knocks followed by a stint in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After the Army, he proudly served the City of Baltimore Police Department for 32 years, retiring in 1987. Mr. Coleman was a decorated patrolman and was promoted to Detective of Burglary and later Homicide where he earned numerous citations. Post retirement he held other odd jobs such as REALTOR(R) at Century 21 and Baltimore City Court Bailiff. Jack was not one for the spotlight however sometimes he could not avoid it, such as his mention in many newspaper articles, magazines and the book “Homicide: Life on the Street”. He would say his most cherished accolades were those from the families of the victims whose cases he was able to help solve. Mr. Coleman was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Elks Club, VFW, and Moose Club. He was a life-long member of Saint Thomas Aquinas Church of Hampden. “Jack” was a friend to many and would give you the shirt off his back. He made many friends and memories in his “Medfield/21211” community where he lived with his wife for over 60 years. He was admired for his quick wit and charming personality. Jack enjoyed playing golf and was an avid Orioles and Ravens fan. He loved to watch and attend the games. Most of all he loved spending time with his friends and family. His children will tell you about the great times they had camping with Mom and Dad while they were growing up. His friends will often reflect about the fun times they had vacationing with him and his wife in Ocean City for many years. He loved to visit his daughter’s family in Florida where he would play golf quite often. He and his wife also enjoyed the occasional cruise with the last one being a family cruise in 2006. For many years there wasn’t a holiday that wasn’t celebrated in the Coleman home, including the best New Years Eve, 4th of July parties, and family Christmas celebrations. It wasn’t unusual to stop by their house to find an impromptu barbecue or crab feast. Some say they picked the best crabs and sipped the coldest beer on their deck. He is survived by his children John Coleman, Jr. and his wife Lynne of Baltimore; Jacquelyn Castranova and her husband Robert of Atlantic Beach, FL; Jo Ann O’Hara and her husband Bruce of Fallston; Jeffrey Coleman and Barbara Coleman of Cockeysville; and Joseph Coleman and his wife Stephanie of Baltimore. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Due to the current status of travel and contact restrictions, the funeral will be private. However, when the restrictions have been lifted, the family will arrange a memorial service for all to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of John Charles Coleman, Sr. to the Baltimore City Retired Police Benevolent Association, Inc., P.O. Box 6217, Baltimore, MD 21206 or a charity of your choice. Condolence/Sympathy cards may be sent to the family in care of Jo Ann Coleman O’Hara, 2112 Givenswood Drive, Fallston, MD 21047