Thomas William Coleman

For someone who always wanted to blend into the background, Tom was often inadvertently the center of attention. His presence was magnetic and he made friends wherever he went.  He had an all or nothing mindset with a gentle yet intense demeanor. He went 110% with everything he did, but when he didn’t want to, it was nap time.

Tom had many loves. “Seize the day” was Tom’s intention on his best days.  When his world was bright, you would find him waking up early to head into work, eager to share his ideas on how to improve Coleman Drilling & Blasting. He put his heart and soul into coaching his daughter, Talia. He’d spend countless hours reviewing any coaching material he could get his hands on and he couldn't just purchase one video about coaching soccer, he had to have them all. His intensity always showed as he proudly watched Talia throughout the years, no matter if he was cheering her on or yelling at refs, he was always her biggest fan. A bond that would never be broken. 

On good days, Tom would make you laugh with his stellar dance moves and when singing his original ballads about his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Missy. Tom’s love for dogs was immeasurable, his own dogs and everyone else’s. He would offer his exceptional dog sitting services, even when it was clear they were not needed. He was obsessed with everything Star Wars and Marvel, often engaging in intense conversations amongst friends. On one of his more recent adventures to Disney’s Galaxy Edge, Tom’s obsession with Star Wars was evident when he built his very own lightsaber and assumed the identity of “TW Skywalker. '' 

Traveling was another one of Tom’s passions in life. He spent endless hours poring over books and googling the best places to go. He made sure those he loved enjoyed the most epic vacations he could come up with, making it a point to tell us that he and Phil had already been there. He traveled around the world with Missy, Talia, Pat, Katie Jean, Uncle Mark, and friends (basically anyone he could convince to go with him). 

More recently, Tom found an outlet for his intense personality when he discovered his love for martial arts. His physical abilities and fearless attitude made him a great student. 

Tom exuded compassion and generosity from a young age. In 8th grade he insisted his mom hem his own pants to give to a shorter (much to his delight!) and less fortunate classmate who didn’t have anything to wear to the dance.  When the holidays arrived, you could find him shopping for all of the employee’s children and making sure the guys had brand new boots for work. He was the type of guy who’d  give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. 

Tom appreciated his brightest days with all of his being, and fought hard to maintain them, just like the items on his never-ending to-do list(s).  Obtaining help being his most recent uncompleted task.  Although he conquered a lot in his life, the force was not always with Tom and he suffered defeat at the hands of his struggle with addiction.  

But those dark moments were not what defined him.  Through everything, his desire to help others in need, his compassion for all beings, his empathy, his loyalty, his sense of humor, and his heart of gold are what Tom was made of. Those traits compose the  legacy that Tom Coleman leaves behind. 

Tom was always surrounded by people who loved and cared for him, even in his darkest moments.  He is survived by his wife Melissa Coleman, daughter Talia Terracciano and husband Ryan, parents Ginger and Bob Coleman, brother Patrick Coleman, his wife Christina, and niece Rowan, sister Katie Coleman,  grandmother Jean Williams, and nephews, Ethan and Aiden (his Mountain Dew bros), and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

May your hands always be busy, may your feet always be swift, may you have a strong foundation when the winds of changes shift. May your heart always be joyful, may your song always be sung.  And may you stay forever young. -BD

Calling hours will be this Tuesday, March 29, 2022 5-7pm at Gagne-Piechowski Funeral Home 490 Voluntown Road Jewett City, CT.  For online condolences please go to www.gagnefuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Thomas Coleman Scholarship Foundation, which provides yearly funds to young athletes involved in the Griswold Soccer Club. Checks can be made out to Thomas W Coleman Scholarship Fund and mailed to:

 Thomas W Coleman Scholarship Fund

 ℅ Eastern Savings Bank

1 Slater Avenue 

Jewett City, CT 06351

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