Ronald William Coleman

Ronald William Coleman, of Sarasota, Florida, passed away at his home on September 4th, 2024, at the age of 78. Ronnie was born one of eight children to Thomas and Catherine Coleman in Pittsburgh, PA on November 21, 1945. After graduating from Langley High School, Ronnie married Sandy Gion, his high school sweetheart. They welcomed their first daughter, Kimberly, on October 5, 1964, on the same day he started his 54-year career at the American Torch Tip Company. Ronnie and his wife Sandy had two more daughters, Cheryl on May 30th, 1968, and Jill on October 11th, 1975. At the American Torch Tip Company, Ronnie started as a machinist and worked his way up, to become the Plant Manager. Ronnie became an integral part of the company; he managed hundreds of people over the span of his 54-year career until his retirement in 2018.

If you were fortunate to know him, you would call him the Big Guy, even though he stood 5’8. The Big Guy was passionate about football. He was a die-hard Steeler’s fan and saying he was an avid fan is an understatement; Ronnie bled black and gold for his hometown Steelers. He had a room that was known to the family as The Football Room; it was filled wall to wall with Steeler memorabilia, and the tattoo on his arm was a true testament to his allegiance. He returned to Pittsburgh as often as he could for the annual Steelers tailgate. Ronnie’s die-hard allegiance to the Steelers never faltered; it was though he still lived in Pittsburgh. Ronnie would attend the yearly Steeler’s tailgate party where his brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, their children, and many friends were excited to see him. There were so many family members it was hard to get everyone in the picture. Everyone loved Uncle Ronnie.

Ronnie loved fishing! His daughters have fond memories of fishing with Dad, watching him bait the hooks, doing it over and over, with love and patience. It was important for him to create and carry on the tradition for his love of fishing to his children and grandchildren. Ronnie took every opportunity that arose, to instill a love of fishing. When his nephews came to town, it was a priority to take them fishing. He loved fishing for Red Snapper, and he always had a story about the one that got away. He spent time fishing in Indiana during the last months of his life with his grandson, Winston, on Lake Monroe. He didn’t have much luck but that didn’t stop him from buying more night-crawlers and going back the next day. He fished with his brothers and his best friends on Lake Erie, and off the coast of North Carolina, making memories that he continued to talk about until the very end of his life. Years ago, he belonged to a Bass Fishing Club, of which he was treasurer and participated in many tournaments, often taking his youngest daughter, Jill, along. They won many ribbons for their placement in those tournaments.

Up until Ronnie’s passing, he spent the last 3 months in Indiana at his oldest daughter’s house in Indiana, where he was able to spend time with two of his six grandchildren, Coleman and Winston. He was also blessed to have spent time with the newest arrival of his lineage, his great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Chasteen. Spending time with them was the highlight of his day. He would change his plans if he heard his great granddaughter, Laney, was coming over to swim. Ronnie was overjoyed any time he had the opportunity to spend time with all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Courtney, Taylor, Coleman, Erin, Winston, Erika, Laney, Cole, and Elizabeth. After his time in Indiana, Ronnie was eager to get back to Florida, the place he called home for the last 41 years. He looked forward to spending time with his daughter Jill and granddaughter, Erika, and his numerous friends. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagle’s where he visited daily. This is where he discussed football, politics and the weather. It didn’t matter the subject, Ronnie just loved talking to people. Ronnie’s hats were his signature. He wore them to let you know who he was. The most important was his beloved Steelers hat, it was faded and showed signs of wear, but he loved it. Ronnie loved being around people, he never met a stranger. His gregarious nature made him a friend to all. Our dad will be dearly missed by family and friends, and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

He is survived by his daughters, Kimberly (Donnie) Chasteen, Cheryl (Shawn) Sisson and Jill Walters; his grandchildren Courtney (Tanner) King, Taylor Sisson (LJ Hanna), Coleman (fiancé Ava) Chasteen, Winston Chasteen, Erin (Kobe) Gregoire and Erika Walters: three great grandchildren Laney Hanna, Cole King and Elizabeth Chasteen: his siblings Bill (Joyce) Coleman, Mary Coleman and David Coleman along with many loving nieces and nephews and ex-wife Sandy Coleman. Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents Thomas and Catherine, brothers Tommy and Eddie Coleman and sisters Lois Coleman and Rita Kennedy.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church, in Ronnie’s memory. Please join us in celebrating The Big Guy with stories and memories in Sarasota and Pittsburgh. Dates still to be determined.