Joseph Peter Coleman

Joseph Peter Coleman was born on September 30, 1933 in the Bronx, New York. He was the third of four sons born to Irish immigrants Patrick and Kate Coleman. Joseph died peacefully on August 31, 2025, at the age of 91, in Denver, Colorado, after being surrounded by his loving family.

Joseph was born and raised in the Bronx in an apartment building across the street from Crotona Park where he enjoyed a childhood of freedom and spent many hours playing in the park with his brothers and neighborhood friends. He graduated high school from St. Ann’s in Manhattan and received his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Manhattan College and his master’s degree in sanitary engineering from New York University.

Joseph married Norma Mary Palladino in 1960. He and Norma spent most of their married lives in Riverdale and then in North Salem, New York, raising, nurturing, and encouraging, through their dedication and love, two children, Susan (Bjorn) and Jeanne (Peter), four grandchildren, Caroline and Andrew (Jeanne) and Kristin and Leif (Susan). He and Norma moved to Denver, Colorado in 2000 to be closer to their daughter Jeanne and her family.

Joseph had an analytical and curious mind and enjoyed his career as a civil and sanitary engineer. His varied career included supervising construction of water supply tunnels under the East River, as well as projects designed to improve and protect New York City’s water supply system. He worked for many years for the City of New York Department of Environmental Protection and also managed his own business for several years in Westchester where he designed local real estate projects and served as a member of the North Salem Planning Board. Inherently suited as an engineer, he enjoyed his work and retired at the age of 77.

Joseph had a deep passion for art, reading, classical music, and he embraced a journey of continuous learning throughout his life. It was his proximity to Manhattan that first opened up a world of art and culture to him. When he was a teenager visiting his father’s place of work as a carpenter on 42nd Street and Sixth Avenue in Manhattan, he discovered the New York Public Library which helped to spark his love of reading and exploration. When not working or spending time with family, Joseph could be found listening to classical music or reading books on philosophy, world history, mathematics, and religion. His life was full of countless visits with his wife Norma and his daughters to the museums throughout New York as well as to the theatre and concerts, his favorites being family outings to enjoy orchestra performances in Van Cortlandt Park and the New York Botanical Garden.

Joseph had a kind and gentle nature and family meant everything to him. He and Norma were extremely dedicated to their family, working tirelessly to provide a better life for their children and grandchildren. Even when their daughters were adults with their own children, Joseph would check in regularly with them, making sure that all was fine and asking if they needed anything. Known affectionately as Joseph, Joe, Dad, Daddy, Uncle Joe, and Papa, his most cherished times were with family -- family dinners, his children’s concerts and performances and, later, visits from his children and grandchildren. Joseph and his family stayed close throughout his life. In his final years, he often expressed how grateful he was for his wife, Norma, remarking that marrying her was the best thing he had ever done. He also frequently expressed affection and gratitude for his daughters, their husbands, his grandchildren, and his brother William.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents Patrick and Kate, his brother the Reverand John, his brother Patrick, and his in-laws Kathy Coleman (William), Patricia Coleman (Patrick), and Mary and Joe Polino, who were all very important to him. Joseph is survived by his wife (Norma), his children, grandchildren, brother William, and his nieces Jo-Ann and Margaret.

Joseph and his love for life, family, and knowledge, and wonderful sense of humor will be missed every day and will be carried forever in the hearts of his family and those who loved him. A prayer service will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Horan & McConaty on Colorado Boulevard in Denver, Colorado.

In lieu of flowers, Joseph’s family suggests contributions be made to the American Cancer Society at Cancer.org/donate or to The Museum of Modern Art at Moma.org/donate.