Brian Dennis Coleman

Brian D. “Tater” Coleman

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Brian D. Coleman, a man whose patriotism and kind heart left an indelible mark on his community, passed away on the eve of Veterans Day, November 10, 2025, at the Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, Pennsylvania. Born on March 12, 1945, in Towanda, a son of the late Fay A. and Olive E. (Williams) Coleman. Brian lived a life characterized by love, kindness, and generosity.

Brian was a graduate of the 1963 class of Northeast Bradford High School and attended Lock Haven University. He started his working career at Vail Ballou in Binghamton, New York before accepting a position at GTE Sylvania in Towanda, PA. He served in the U.S. Army during the Viet Nam conflict and upon his return was employed for a short period by P&G in Mehoopany, PA before acquiring a position with E. I. Dupont in Towanda, PA where he completed 26 years of service.

Brian was an avid hunter, fisherman and trapper all his life and participated in many hunting trips throughout the U.S. He was proud to mentor many young boys and girls in their quest to learn these outdoor activities. He also had a strong love and passion for sports. He excelled in basketball and baseball in high school and continued his passion by playing modified softball well into his adult life. His team (Cavanaugh’s) earned back to back national championships. His love of softball found him becoming a coach for ASA girls softball team and earning the respect and title of “Uncle Brian” by the many girls and their families. He voluntarily coached many NEB girls softball teams. He also enjoyed watching and attending NASCAR races.

Hunting, fishing, trapping and sports did not take up all of his time. Brian was quietly active in his community and in surrounding communities by supporting many events and just showing up to help those in need. He sponsored the Neath cemetery Wreaths Across America efforts and was the chief spaghetti cooker at their annual spaghetti fund raiser dinner. Brian's love for his country was evident to all who knew him. His pride in the American flag was more than just a passion; it was a calling. Whenever he came across a tattered flag, he saw it not as a piece of cloth in disrepair but as a symbol deserving respect and care. In such moments, he would lovingly leave a new flag in its place, ensuring that the emblem of freedom would continue to fly high and with dignity. This simple, yet profound act of patriotism became a hallmark of his character, reflecting the deep respect he had for the nation and those who served it. He also enjoyed attending dog trials and often served as a judge at various trials in the U.S. and Canada. A lover of nature and animals he tended to his “girls” (Hereford cattle) along with his chickens, ducks and guinea hens and grew many good vegetables he shared with family and friends. His tender heart led him to help injured animals and birds he encountered and he spoiled his pet dogs and cats over the years.

Brian was one of two living charter members of V.F.W. Post 6824 in Rome, PA, a member of the Pennsylvania State Fox and Coyote Hunter’s Association and a life member of both the National Wild Turkey Federation and the National Rifle Association.

He is survived by his daughter, Jodilyn Coleman of Lawton, PA, his special, sweet, loving granddaughter, Olivia Fay Hurlburt; brother-in-law Larry (Beverly) Arnold; sister-in-law’s Pat Coleman and Roxie (Butch) Ayers; his nieces and nephews Kevin (Amanda) Johnson, Sheila Johnson (Ernie “Junior” Yates), Jim Coleman, Mike (Cindy) Coleman, Rick (Lori) Coleman and special friend Cathy Bellanca and her family, Deb and Jim Philippi and Michael Wallitsch.

Besides his parents he was predeceased by his wife, Claudia Jo Arnold Coleman, sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy Faye & Harrison “Red” Johnson; brothers, Gary, Dean and Howard; niece-in-law Peggy Coleman, mother and father-in-law C. Bernard and Jean Arnold, and sister-in-law Ruth Hayes.

Family and friends are invited to attend a period of visitation and time for sharing memories from 11AM to 2 PM on November 22 at Sutfin Funeral Home Chapel, 273 S. Main Street, Nichols. A service will follow at 2 pm at the funeral home. A celebration of Brian’s life will be held at Souto’s Pavilion, 515 East Street, LeRaysville, PA on June 27, 2026 per Brian’s request. Memories and condolences for Brian’s family may be shared by visiting the website at www.sutfinfineralchapel.com. Those who wish may consider a memorial contribution to the Neath Cemetery, c/o Rick Upham, 223 Upham Road, LeRaysville, PA 18829 in loving memory of Brian D. Coleman.