Robert "Bob" John Coleman (1964-2021)

Robert "Bob" John Coleman
(February 05, 1964 - January 10, 2021)
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Robert J. Coleman, 56, of Elizabethtown, PA passed away peacefully on January 10th after a courageous battle with cancer.

Robert (Bob) was born on February 5th, 1964 to Robert and Barbara Coleman in New Jersey.  He was raised in Scotch Plains, the second youngest of five siblings.  Growing up, Bob and his family enjoyed spending summers at Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire.  A  talented baseball player, he earned the great privilege of playing in the 1979 Babe Ruth Baseball National World Series in Arizona, which was attended by teams from across the nation.  As devout Catholics, his family attended Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Scotch Plains, where Bob was an Altar Server. He graduated from Union Catholic High School and went on to attend college at The University of Central Florida. 

Upon graduating, he moved back to New Jersey to begin working in hotel management, which parlayed into a successful sales career.  He was quiet and reserved, a man of few words many would say; but when it came to sales he was truly a go-getter.  Throughout his career, he formed lasting and valuable business relationships, consistently surpassing everyone’s expectations.   

He met his wife, Laurie, over 30 years ago and they raised their family together in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Laurie’s hometown.  Bob was an avid and skilled golfer, often seen on the links with his golfing buddies.  He was a dedicated and loyal friend, enjoying competitive games of pinochle, bocce ball and corn hole, among other parlor games.  Those who knew him understood his passion for sports, especially when the Jets and Yankees were playing. He was the owner of the iconic Mazzoli Ice Cream shop in Hershey for many years and just recently became the co-owner of The Good Life ice cream shop in Lancaster.

Bob attended St. Joan of Arc church in Hershey, leading a life that was guided by his faith. Above all else, family was of utmost importance to Bob.  Spending time with Laurie, his two daughters, his son-in-laws and three grandchildren was by far his favorite pastime.

Bob is predeceased by his father, Robert Coleman; his brother, Michael Coleman and his Uncle, Thomas Donegan.  He is survived by his wife, Laurie Coleman; his daughters Amy (Michael) Oeschger and Shelli (Marquis) Jones; his mother Barbara Coleman; his aunt, Lois Donegan; his siblings Karen (Ricky) Adams, Thomas (Rhonda) Coleman, and Steven (Diane) Coleman; his sister-in-law Cynthia (Richard) Stewart; his nieces and nephew, Ashley Coleman, Emily Coleman, Hannah Coleman, Christopher Coleman, Lauren Coleman, Emilie Stewart and Lynne Stewart;  and his three grandchildren, Max Oeschger, Charlotte Oeschger, and Lola Jones. 

A church service and celebration of life will be planned at the discretion of the family at a later date once social gatherings are deemed safe again.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Bob’s memory to St. Jude's Hospital for Children, as this is a charity that he supported for many years.  

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