Michael P. Coleman

Michael P. Coleman of Woodbury, CT, a local artist and member of the First Church of Christ, Scientist in Ridgefield, CT passed away on May 31, 2024.

Michael was born on September 8, 1946 in Mount Kisco, NY to Thomas J. and Bernice (Noonan) Coleman. He is survived by his brothers Thomas Coleman and wife Marilyn Coleman of Toms River, NJ; Daniel Coleman and wife Barbara of Harbeson, Delaware; sisters Bernice Coleman of Ashfield, MA, Christine and husband Glenn Cordelli of Tuftonboro, NH, and Victoria and husband Bill Gaworecki of Baldwinsville, NY. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews: Kerry Scott and Deirdre Reidy; Neal Graves and Eileen Pierce; Philip, Alyse and Carin Cordelli; Daniel, Matthew and Brendan Coleman; Beth Hill, Nick and Jessie Gaworecki. He was a favorite Great Uncle to seven great nephews and 11 great nieces! Michael was predeceased by his parents and his Aunt, Sister Jean Noonan RDC.

Michael graduated from St. Thomas School, Pleasantville, NY where he grew up; Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains, NY and earned a B.S, degree from Iona College, New Rochelle, NY. After college he pursued his love of art at Dutchess Community College, Art Students League, Woodstock, NY and State University of NY, New Paltz studying painting, sculpture and art history. He also earned a M.A. degree in art at Columbia College Chicago.

His friends and family will always remember Michael’s love of the outdoors. He spent time hiking in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, taking inspiration from all of God’s creation. Golf was Michael’s favorite sport and he was able to share that with his siblings and friends. His joy in life and positive outlook made spending time with Michael so enjoyable!

Michael’s love of art began early in his life, painting and drawing when he was a teenager. He has been involved with the arts for many years in many capacities. Michael worked as an art teacher and art gallery manager in New York City, Boston, MA and Woodbury, CT. He was a painter, framer and restorer. In 2002, he opened his art restoration business. He is widely respected in the art community and has exhibited in juried shows in the Hudson River Valley, New York City, Connecticut and Massachusetts. Michael was also respected for his knowledge of antiques. In 1999, he began extensive research on the career and life of Newtown artist and dancer Stella Bloch. His book autobiography “Stella Bloch, Art, Dance and a Remarkable Life 1897-1999” was published in 2019.

Along with his dedication to his art, his devotion to his religion and his home church, First Church of Christ, Scientist in Ridgefield, CT, remained the most important part of his life. Michael was known as a soft spoken, understanding person who was always helping others. He has been described as a “very gentle soul” who will be missed by all who had the opportunity to know him.

Family and friends will be received on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Kane Funeral Home; 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. A prayer service will be offered on Tuesday afternoon at the funeral home beginning at 3:00 PM. Interment will take place privately.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Michael’s name should be directed to: Harmony House – 77 West Street; Danbury ,CT 06810, or online at http://www.fcaweb.org. Harmony House provides homeless mothers and their children with resources needed to attain the goal of living independently.