Theodore Hartz "Ted" Coleman, Retired Industrial Engineer

Theodore Hartz "Ted" Coleman, a former industrial engineer with RCA, Hubley Toy, and ITT Grinnell, died Monday, May 16, 2016, at Hospice of the Comforter, in Altamonte Springs, following a brief illness.

Mr. Coleman, a resident of Altamonte Springs, Florida, previously a long-time resident of East Petersburg, Pennsylvania, was 94 years old.

A native of Victoria County, Texas, where he was born April 24, 1922, Mr. Coleman spent his childhood and early youth in State College, Parkersburg, and Coatesville, Pennsylvania. Following high school, he completed US Air Craft Civilian Service Training, and began his professional career as an aircraft electrician at Duncan Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. A World War II veteran, Mr. Coleman enlisted in the US Navy in 1942. After completing quartermaster school, he served on the "Cahaba" a fleet tanker in the Western Pacific, until 1945. For his service, he was honored with six bronze stars. He attended Franklin and Marshall and Sterling Colleges, and is a 1952 graduate of Washburn University, Topeka, Kansas, where he played college football.

He served on the staff of The Heritage Center, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in retirement. He was a long-time member of Highland Presbyterian Church in that city, and Wekiva Presbyterian Church, Longwood, Florida.

Known as Ted to almost everyone, and Papa to his family and dear friends, he absolutely loved spending time with his family, especially his wife, grandchildren and great-granddaughter, and with his friends, all of whom brought a sparkle to his eyes. He was an active church member, an avid reader, particularly biography and American history, enjoyed travel and watching the Philadelphia Phillies, followed political and current events with a lively interest, and for many years was a dedicated Boy Scout leader. In his boyhood, he worked in the summers on his aunt and uncle's Kansas farm, those prairie sights and scenes were dear to him and the image of sunflowers as far as the eye can see stayed with him throughout his long and vital life.

Mr. Coleman is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Patricia Dalles Coleman; three sons, Bryan R. of Santa Cruz, California, Rodney S. (Yumiko) of San Jose, California, and J. Will (Kelly), of Windsor, Vermont; one stepson, the Rev. Dr. John A. Dalles (Judy), of Longwood, Florida, as well as seven grandchildren, including John T. Dalles (Tara), of Longwood, and Anne Elizabeth Dalles Sandoval (Steven), of Altamonte Springs, and one great-granddaughter, Taylor Anne Dalles. His parents, Frank Lewis and Priscilla Stoltzfus Coleman, as well as his five siblings, and his first wife Anni Pfeiffer, preceded him in death.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2016, at 10:30 a.m., in the sanctuary of Wekiva Presbyterian Church, 211 Wekiva Springs Lane, Longwood, Florida. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Wekiva Presbyterian Church.