WILLISTON, Vt. – Peter J. Coleman, 61, of Charlotte, died at the Vermont Respite House on Friday, Jan. 27.

He was born on March 27, 1944, in New Haven, Conn., the son of the late John J. and Marjorie (Lebeis) Coleman.

He graduated from Burlington High School and the University of Vermont earning a B.S. in mechanical engineering. While at UVM, he pledged Sigma Phi fraternity and remained an active brother for most of his life.

After graduating from UVM, he worked briefly at IBM. Upon leaving IBM, he began his lifelong interest in mail order marketing under the tutelage of Lyman Wood. Then followed Garden Way Research, Hearthside Quilts, editor of the Charlotte News and photographer and contributing writer for Vermont Times, The Old Lantern and freelance photographer.

His interests centered around his church, his town and his community. He was active in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel as a greeter and as a member of Faith In Action Ministry. He served his town in early planning/zoning, volunteer fireman and was a justice of the peace. He served his community on the board of directors for SCHIPS, and was active in the Charlotte – Shelburne Rotary, where he was the recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow award in 2005. His greatest lifelong interest was photography and he enjoyed touring Vermont, photographing its beauty.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia (Gilheany) Coleman; his daughter, Melissa Coleman of Lewiston; his son, Christopher Coleman of Melville, N.Y.; his two grandchildren, Skye and Tyler; his sister, Susan Coleman of Denver, Colo.; one aunt; several cousins; and extended family.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Sally P. Coleman.

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