Memories of Gary Alan Coleman

Carla Bradley

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Patti Ellsworth

To all of Gary’s family… present, past and extended…. We are deeply sorry for your loss. Please know we’re thinking of all of you and hoping that beautiful memories bring you comfort.”

Love,

Aunt Patti and Uncle Jamie

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lori fuller

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Patti Ellsworth

These are great memories…. So glad you shared. Sending my love and condolences to everyone who was part of Gary’s life! 💗

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lori fuller

Emma Manchester

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Emma Manchester

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lori fuller

Emma Manchester

Patti Ellsworth

Chris Hayward

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Emma Manchester

3

lori fuller

Emma Manchester

Chris Hayward

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Emma Manchester

1991, Fratney Street House

Our first Christmas — with Gary, Lori + Emma

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lori fuller

Emma Manchester

Chris Hayward

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Emma Manchester

Gary Beary Boo,

We didnt speak much over the last 20 years of our lives, but the 20 before that - we were family.
Sharing homes.
Creating a lifetime of memories.
Shaping my entire existence.

We met when I was 3. 
The early 90's.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
You and your family lovingly welcomed mom and me in with open arms.

The pulsing joy of laughter, delicious food and big hugs resounding at the center of the Coleman family.
Our families wove together as the epitome of diversity — creating the tapestry of our family tree — young adults co-parenting, growing up and learning right alongside me, grandparents at the center, and never ending stories shared.
The beginning of your fatherhood journey, packaged as a step dad.

Memories play across my mind's eye as I think about growing up with you.
Learning to ride a 2 wheel, pink, banana seat bike in Riverwest.
Moving from the East side to the suburbs of Brown Deer [moving on up!]
Evenings of you "practicing hair" and wrapping sections of mine around foam curlers before bed.
Playing in mounds of snow you'd pile high while shoveling the driveway.
Holidays with the house FULL of family, friends, laughter and joy.
Mornings you'd get me ready to drive across town to St Robert's and couldn't get my ponytail to a satisfactory height - where a phone call to mom on 3rd shift was the only solution to my tears. 
Singing Lion King at the top of our lungs in the green conversion van, with Dylans little voice yelling "wait, king!!" from his car seat.

The hundreds of rounds of Mario Party on Nintendo 64 as we navigated all the lands. 
Even more rounds of wrestling in the gold pit.
Watching you build the epic, wooden playground in our backyard so we could spend afternoons outside playing with all the neighborhood kids.
Hours of basketball in the driveway and at Brown Deer Middle School with Coach Mac + Jefferson - getting me ready for the A team (#22).
Navigating my early teen years as an over protective father.
The clothing lessons of not bearing too much midriff when reaching for that book on the top shelf in the library.
Sharing your love of the book "Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus" as your advice still rings in my ear:
"If you ever have to say 'but I love him'.....its not love".
Along with: 
"always knock on a closed door before entering" 
and
"what you do in the dark, will come to light".

Dancing in all our kitchens to Mighty Blue Kings on REPEAT, sprinkled with Bob Marley and Delilah After Dark.

I memorized the sound of your morning routine - handcuffs jingling alongside the snaps of buttons as you situated your holster.
The smell of lotion and hair grease as you prepared to be on the front line every day.
The things you saw, nothing one person should ever have to hold alone.
And it makes me wonder if our story could have been different if it was set in another era.

From Fratney to 46th Street, we were family. 
You raised me.
We were family.
Not everyone will understand.
And there's still so much for us to heal.
But you were my step dad.  
And I know I am etched upon your heart.
Nothing can erase who you were to me and who I was to you.

With love + peace,
Emma Grace - double deuce

To Dylan, Lexi and Nicholas - you have had my heart since the day each one of you came Earth side. I know we are navigating different grief, but you are 3 of my greatest loves. And I am so sorry your dad left this world so early.

To the Colemans and all the extended family - thank you for being the warmth of love that I wish this whole world could feel.

MC - thank you for tending to my siblings and Gary in the 2nd act of his life.

Mom - for everything you've walked, the love you've shared, the strength you've shown - thank you for loving us all fiercely. Maybe it could have been different, and maybe, this is exactly how it was supposed to go.

Rest easy Coleman.

Gary Beary Boo,

We didnt speak much over the last 20 years of our lives, but the 20 before that - we were... Read more family.
Sharing homes.
Creating a lifetime of memories.
Shaping my entire existence.

We met when I was 3.
The early 90's.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
You and your family lovingly welcomed mom and me in with open arms.

The pulsing joy of laughter, delicious food and big hugs resounding at the center of the Coleman family.
Our families wove together as the epitome of diversity — creating the tapestry of our family tree — young adults co-parenting, growing up and learning right alongside me, grandparents at the center, and never ending stories shared.
The beginning of your fatherhood journey, packaged as a step dad.

Memories play across my mind's eye as I think about growing up with you.
Learning to ride a 2 wheel, pink, banana seat bike in Riverwest.
Moving from the East side to the suburbs of Brown Deer [moving on up!]
Evenings of you "practicing hair" and wrapping sections of mine around foam curlers before bed.
Playing in mounds of snow you'd pile high while shoveling the driveway.
Holidays with the house FULL of family, friends, laughter and joy.
Mornings you'd get me ready to drive across town to St Robert's and couldn't get my ponytail to a satisfactory height - where a phone call to mom on 3rd shift was the only solution to my tears.
Singing Lion King at the top of our lungs in the green conversion van, with Dylans little voice yelling "wait, king!!" from his car seat.

The hundreds of rounds of Mario Party on Nintendo 64 as we navigated all the lands.
Even more rounds of wrestling in the gold pit.
Watching you build the epic, wooden playground in our backyard so we could spend afternoons outside playing with all the neighborhood kids.
Hours of basketball in the driveway and at Brown Deer Middle School with Coach Mac + Jefferson - getting me ready for the A team (#22).
Navigating my early teen years as an over protective father.
The clothing lessons of not bearing too much midriff when reaching for that book on the top shelf in the library.
Sharing your love of the book "Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus" as your advice still rings in my ear:
"If you ever have to say 'but I love him'.....its not love".
Along with:
"always knock on a closed door before entering"
and
"what you do in the dark, will come to light".

Dancing in all our kitchens to Mighty Blue Kings on REPEAT, sprinkled with Bob Marley and Delilah After Dark.

I memorized the sound of your morning routine - handcuffs jingling alongside the snaps of buttons as you situated your holster.
The smell of lotion and hair grease as you prepared to be on the front line every day.
The things you saw, nothing one person should ever have to hold alone.
And it makes me wonder if our story could have been different if it was set in another era.

From Fratney to 46th Street, we were family.
You raised me.
We were family.
Not everyone will understand.
And there's still so much for us to heal.
But you were my step dad.
And I know I am etched upon your heart.
Nothing can erase who you were to me and who I was to you.

With love + peace,
Emma Grace - double deuce

To Dylan, Lexi and Nicholas - you have had my heart since the day each one of you came Earth side. I know we are navigating different grief, but you are 3 of my greatest loves. And I am so sorry your dad left this world so early.

To the Colemans and all the extended family - thank you for being the warmth of love that I wish this whole world could feel.

MC - thank you for tending to my siblings and Gary in the 2nd act of his life.

Mom - for everything you've walked, the love you've shared, the strength you've shown - thank you for loving us all fiercely. Maybe it could have been different, and maybe, this is exactly how it was supposed to go.

Rest easy Coleman. Read less Gary Beary Boo,

We didnt speak much over the last 20 years of our lives, but the 20 before that - we were family.
Sharing ... Read morehomes.
Creating a lifetime of memories.
Shaping my entire existence.

We met when I was 3.
The early 90's.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
You and your family lovingly welcomed mom and me in with open arms.

The pulsing joy of laughter, delicious food and big hugs resounding at the center of the Coleman family.
Our families wove together as the epitome of diversity — creating the tapestry of our family tree — young adults co-parenting, growing up and learning right alongside me, grandparents at the center, and never ending stories shared.
The beginning of your fatherhood journey, packaged as a step dad.

Memories play across my mind's eye as I think about growing up with you.
Learning to ride a 2 wheel, pink, banana seat bike in Riverwest.
Moving from the East side to the suburbs of Brown Deer [moving on up!]
Evenings of you "practicing hair" and wrapping sections of mine around foam curlers before bed.
Playing in mounds of snow you'd pile high while shoveling the driveway.
Holidays with the house FULL of family, friends, laughter and joy.
Mornings you'd get me ready to drive across town to St Robert's and couldn't get my ponytail to a satisfactory height - where a phone call to mom on 3rd shift was the only solution to my tears.
Singing Lion King at the top of our lungs in the green conversion van, with Dylans little voice yelling "wait, king!!" from his car seat.

The hundreds of rounds of Mario Party on Nintendo 64 as we navigated all the lands.
Even more rounds of wrestling in the gold pit.
Watching you build the epic, wooden playground in our backyard so we could spend afternoons outside playing with all the neighborhood kids.
Hours of basketball in the driveway and at Brown Deer Middle School with Coach Mac + Jefferson - getting me ready for the A team (#22).
Navigating my early teen years as an over protective father.
The clothing lessons of not bearing too much midriff when reaching for that book on the top shelf in the library.
Sharing your love of the book "Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus" as your advice still rings in my ear:
"If you ever have to say 'but I love him'.....its not love".
Along with:
"always knock on a closed door before entering"
and
"what you do in the dark, will come to light".

Dancing in all our kitchens to Mighty Blue Kings on REPEAT, sprinkled with Bob Marley and Delilah After Dark.

I memorized the sound of your morning routine - handcuffs jingling alongside the snaps of buttons as you situated your holster.
The smell of lotion and hair grease as you prepared to be on the front line every day.
The things you saw, nothing one person should ever have to hold alone.
And it makes me wonder if our story could have been different if it was set in another era.

From Fratney to 46th Street, we were family.
You raised me.
We were family.
Not everyone will understand.
And there's still so much for us to heal.
But you were my step dad.
And I know I am etched upon your heart.
Nothing can erase who you were to me and who I was to you.

With love + peace,
Emma Grace - double deuce

To Dylan, Lexi and Nicholas - you have had my heart since the day each one of you came Earth side. I know we are navigating different grief, but you are 3 of my greatest loves. And I am so sorry your dad left this world so early.

To the Colemans and all the extended family - thank you for being the warmth of love that I wish this whole world could feel.

MC - thank you for tending to my siblings and Gary in the 2nd act of his life.

Mom - for everything you've walked, the love you've shared, the strength you've shown - thank you for loving us all fiercely. Maybe it could have been different, and maybe, this is exactly how it was supposed to go.

Rest easy Coleman. Read less Gary Beary Boo,

We didnt speak much over the last... Read more 20 years of our lives, but the 20 before that - we were family.
Sharing homes.
Creating a lifetime of memories.
Shaping my entire existence.

We met when I was 3.
The early 90's.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
You and your family lovingly welcomed mom and me in with open arms.

The pulsing joy of laughter, delicious food and big hugs resounding at the center of the Coleman family.
Our families wove together as the epitome of diversity — creating the tapestry of our family tree — young adults co-parenting, growing up and learning right alongside me, grandparents at the center, and never ending stories shared.
The beginning of your fatherhood journey, packaged as a step dad.

Memories play across my mind's eye as I think about growing up with you.
Learning to ride a 2 wheel, pink, banana seat bike in Riverwest.
Moving from the East side to the suburbs of Brown Deer [moving on up!]
Evenings of you "practicing hair" and wrapping sections of mine around foam curlers before bed.
Playing in mounds of snow you'd pile high while shoveling the driveway.
Holidays with the house FULL of family, friends, laughter and joy.
Mornings you'd get me ready to drive across town to St Robert's and couldn't get my ponytail to a satisfactory height - where a phone call to mom on 3rd shift was the only solution to my tears.
Singing Lion King at the top of our lungs in the green conversion van, with Dylans little voice yelling "wait, king!!" from his car seat.

The hundreds of rounds of Mario Party on Nintendo 64 as we navigated all the lands.
Even more rounds of wrestling in the gold pit.
Watching you build the epic, wooden playground in our backyard so we could spend afternoons outside playing with all the neighborhood kids.
Hours of basketball in the driveway and at Brown Deer Middle School with Coach Mac + Jefferson - getting me ready for the A team (#22).
Navigating my early teen years as an over protective father.
The clothing lessons of not bearing too much midriff when reaching for that book on the top shelf in the library.
Sharing your love of the book "Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus" as your advice still rings in my ear:
"If you ever have to say 'but I love him'.....its not love".
Along with:
"always knock on a closed door before entering"
and
"what you do in the dark, will come to light".

Dancing in all our kitchens to Mighty Blue Kings on REPEAT, sprinkled with Bob Marley and Delilah After Dark.

I memorized the sound of your morning routine - handcuffs jingling alongside the snaps of buttons as you situated your holster.
The smell of lotion and hair grease as you prepared to be on the front line every day.
The things you saw, nothing one person should ever have to hold alone.
And it makes me wonder if our story could have been different if it was set in another era.

From Fratney to 46th Street, we were family.
You raised me.
We were family.
Not everyone will understand.
And there's still so much for us to heal.
But you were my step dad.
And I know I am etched upon your heart.
Nothing can erase who you were to me and who I was to you.

With love + peace,
Emma Grace - double deuce

To Dylan, Lexi and Nicholas - you have had my heart since the day each one of you came Earth side. I know we are navigating different grief, but you are 3 of my greatest loves. And I am so sorry your dad left this world so early.

To the Colemans and all the extended family - thank you for being the warmth of love that I wish this whole world could feel.

MC - thank you for tending to my siblings and Gary in the 2nd act of his life.

Mom - for everything you've walked, the love you've shared, the strength you've shown - thank you for loving us all fiercely. Maybe it could have been different, and maybe, this is exactly how it was supposed to go.

Rest easy Coleman. Read less

Michael Coleman

Emma,beautiful, you brought tears to my eyes. Emma,beautiful, you brought tears to my eyes. Emma,beautiful, you brought tears to my eyes.

Emma Manchester

Thank you Uncle Mike, I so appreciate you. Love you. Thank you Uncle Mike, I so appreciate you. Love you. Thank you Uncle Mike, I so appreciate you. Love you.... Read more

Patti Ellsworth

These are great memories…. So glad you shared. Sending my love and condolences to everyone who was part
... Read more These are great memories…. So glad you shared. Sending my love and condolences to everyone who was part
of Gary’s life! 💗 These are great memories…. So glad you shared. Sending... Read more

Emma Manchester

thank you for reading through them Aunt Patti. It was quite a childhood <3 thank you for reading through them Aunt Patti. It was quite a childhood <3 thank you for reading through them Aunt Patti. It was... Read more

Chris Hayward

Emma, thank you for sharing those beautiful memories of Gary and your family. Hope you are doing well. Emma, thank you for sharing those beautiful memories of Gary and your family. Hope you are doing well. Emma, thank you for sharing those beautiful memories... Read more

Emma Manchester

Aw Chris! Its been SO long since our paths have crossed. Thank you for reading through, and for sharing laughs... Read more Aw Chris! Its been SO long since our paths have crossed. Thank you for reading through, and for sharing laughs with our family.... Read more Aw Chris! Its been SO long since our paths have crossed.... Read more

Jeffrey Gochoco

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Chris Hayward

1986, Milwaukee, WI, USA

Home on Leave — with Gary and Chris Hayward

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Emma Manchester

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Chris Hayward

I met Gary second semester of our freshman year at Madison. Gary had transferred from Alcorn State where he had gone to play baseball. We were introduced to each other by his friends from growing up in Milwaukee - Tom Silverstein, Tony Watkins, and Jeff Crump who lived in Atkins House in the Ogg dormitory. We had a lot in common and became good friends going on to join the same Fraternity, play sports, and eventually join the Army and go through Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning.  I went on Active Duty and Gary went into the Reserves so our paths diverged as I was out of the area for 11 years, but Gary never left my mind. Periodically throughout the years we would catch up on our lives and I was always happy to see his number and name appear on my phone. I was shocked and saddened when I opened up a text from Marie-Claude letting me know that Gary had died suddenly. My heart goes out to Marie-Claude, Lexi, Dylan, Nick and all the family, friends and associates that will miss him most. I will always remember his unique ability to engage everyone and ability to light up a room with his positive energy and smile. Thank you Gary....

I met Gary second semester of our freshman year at Madison. Gary had transferred from Alcorn State where ... Read more I met Gary second semester of our freshman year at Madison. Gary had transferred from Alcorn State where he had gone to play baseball.... Read more I met Gary second semester of our freshman year at ... Read more

Jacqueline Cross

Gary was a good man. He has left quite a legacy. He will be missed by so many. Sending the family a hug and hope the great memories of Gary can get you through the tears!

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David Lucre

Brown Deer, WI, USA

Gary and I met each other coaching our son’s tee ball team. He was the head coach and I was his assistant. Gary was a great teacher of the game and made it a priority for the kids to have fun. Since our kids were the same age, we developed a friendship over the next two decades. I always enjoyed talking sports and life with Gary. He was a major contributor to our youth programs for all kinds of sports and his enthusiasm and dedication to the Brown Deer community has always been appreciated. Thank you Gary, you will be missed.

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Zoé Madden

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Tom Silverstein

I was saddened to hear about Gary’s passing and thankful we had a chance to connect in Seattle when the Packers were playing there a few years back. We had a lot of great memories. We met in fifth grade at Hartford Ave. School in Milwaukee and were good friends from that point on. We used to skip lunch and play 2-on-2 basketball on the playground. Me and James Bonner vs. Gary and Mike Hanrahan. Gary was a handful and our vice principal was very committed to keeping him in line. Mr. Carrington was a tall, studious man from the Caribbean and he took a special interest in Gary. He had very creative ways to discipline him and I think Gary enjoyed pushing the limits of good conduct even though it cost him. Gary and I were big sports fans and loved baseball. After Gary transferred away from Hartford, we remained friends even though he lived across town. We played baseball against each other in Stars of Yesterday and in high school. Gary was a far better athlete than me but I never let him forget when our Riverside team upset his Madison team our senior years. Gary and I reconnected in college in Madison and lived on the same dorm floor. Gary, Jeff Crump, Tony Watkins, Chris Hayward and I became fast friends and remained so after college. We all lived in Milwaukee and would get together to play poker and hang out. After Gary retired, we lost contact, but reconnected on Facebook. I wish I had reached out more. When I visited him in Seattle, Gary was living his best life. I couldn’t believe all the volunteer work he was doing and how relaxed he seemed. It was great to see him so happy. I will miss him greatly. We had some great times. My condolences to the entire family. I look forward to celebrating his life in Milwaukee.

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Chris Hayward

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Victor Toliver II

Gary, more than a cousin he was my big brother. Love you Gary. Condolences to his wife kids and family members.

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Cedric Mays

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Marie-Claude Milot

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Reponda Greer

Sending heartfelt condolences and prayers to you and Mike! ❤️

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Mark Coleman

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Marlys Howe

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Rick and Bette Diehl

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Marie-Claude Milot

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Rick and Bette Diehl

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Marie-Claude Milot

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Rick and Bette Diehl

2025, Phoenix, AZ, USA

Memories from Phoenix

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Marie-Claude Milot

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Rick and Bette Diehl

Some great memories from our trip spring of 2025 to visit Gary and MC in Phoenix Some great memories from our trip spring of 2025 to visit Gary and MC in Phoenix Some great memories from our trip spring of 2025 to... Read more

Rick and Bette Diehl

I am still in shock and heartbroken over the sudden loss of Gary. My heart goes out to all of you. I have known and loved Gary for over 45 years. Such a good friend and so many memories. We will miss him! So glad we were able to visit with both of you last spring in Phoenix.

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Marie-Claude Milot

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