Father Chris Coleman

Reverend Father Christopher Cooper Coleman, pastor of St. James of the Valley in Wyoming, OH, St. Matthias the Apostle in Forest Park, OH, and Our Lady of the Rosary in Greenhills, OH (the Winton Wyoming Pastoral Region of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Ohio) died Sunday July 9, 2017 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

He was born on June 20, 1967 in London, OH to Paul Joseph and Barbara Cooper Coleman.

Before entering high school, Chris had several paper routes and was involved in 4-H, Boy Scouts and was an altar server for St. Patrick’s Church in London. He began studying piano in 1st grade, trumpet in 5th grade, and organ in 7th grade – a skill that became useful as he was needed as the organist for Saturday 5pm Mass following the sudden death of his organ instructor the spring of that year. He was forever grateful to Monsignor Romano Ciotola for this opportunity.

While in high school, he continued his piano, trumpet, and organ studies. He obtained several superior ratings for piano competitions. Graduating from London High School in 1985, he was a member of the Varsity Golf Team, and Marching and Concert Bands. He was a photographer for the yearbook and served as president of the National Honor Society.

He graduated from Miami University, Oxford, OH in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Paper Science and Engineering. During this time he obtained his Single Engine Private Pilot’s license and was active with the music ministry at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oxford. In addition to providing music for regular Masses, he also did so for numerous funerals and weddings. Mentored by Roderick Nimtz, his musical skills tremendously flourished and he began writing accompaniments and acquired directing skills.

Following his graduation, he worked as a Technical Service Representative for Henkel Corporation in Charlotte, NC and then as a Marketing Director for TEXO Corporation in Cincinnati. He later was an Account Manager for Hercules, also in the Cincinnati area, and then ChemicalDesk.com in Texas before drastically changing careers.

However, before making this change, he obtained a Masters of Business Administration from the Williams College of Business at Xavier University, Cincinnati, in 2000. Also, he became the Director of Music for St. Simon the Apostle Church, Cincinnati, in 1992 – a position he held until June 2006.

Chris entered the Athenaeum of Ohio, Cincinnati, the fall of 2000. He graduated in the spring of 2006 with a Master of Divinity and was ordained to the priesthood May 20, 2006 by the Most Reverend Archbishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk. While in the seminary, Chris completed a pastoral chaplaincy program in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Youngstown (OH) and a parish internship at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Tipp City, OH. His internship was most unique as the parish was without a permanent pastor and Chris seamlessly guided and helped coordinate the planning and construction of the parish center.

After his ordination, Chris’ first assignment was as the Parochial Vicar at the Community of the Good Shepherd, Montgomery, OH (2006-2008). For the next six years, he was the pastor of St. Anthony of Padua in Dayton, OH. During these six years, he oversaw many renovations of the parish, church, and school as well as leading the parish in its 100th year anniversary celebrations. He has been the pastor of the Winton Wyoming Pastoral Region since July 1, 2014.

Fr. Chris was appointed to the Archbishop’s Presbyterial Council as well as to the College of Consulters to the Archbishop. He was also a member of the Board of Directors for the Bergamo Spiritual Center in Dayton. He served as the Judicial Vicar of John Paul II Catholic School, the parish school of the Winton Wyoming Pastoral Region.

Chris loved the game of golf. He spearheaded a men’s golfing retreat dubbed “Golfing with God” for 10 years. He organized numerous golf outings. He was a member of the Wyoming Golf Club, Cincinnati, and was a past member and Board of Directors member for Walnut Grove Country Club, Dayton.

Also, Chris loved to travel. He led numerous pilgrimages to many significant historical Christian Catholic places. These included The Holy Land, France, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Poland, Greece, Turkey, Austria, Czech Republic, and Italy. He was humbled to have the opportunity to celebrate Mass in all of these holy places, most notably in the Roman Catacombs and on St. Peter’s Square. He truly loved bringing the Scriptures alive.

Chris liked and accomplished many things. However these likes and accomplishments pale in comparison to the things in life of which Chris was passionate. He was passionate about his faith and belief in God, his friends, and his family. He NEVER tired of his role and mission as a priest. He often would spend entire nights making visits to hospitals anointing the sick carrying more than a full schedule the next day. He ALWAYS made time for others. He was blessed with the gift of making everyone feel special and valued. Chris TREASURED his family. He loved cooking and sharing family meals. He embraced his role as an uncle for his two nieces and he epitomized the role of a brother to his sister and brother-in-law.

Chris is preceded in death by his father and his grandparents, James Henry and Helen (Golden) Coleman and LeRoy Franklin and Lucy (Long) Cooper. He is survived by his mother, his sister and brother-in-law, Dr. Paula Coleman and Doug Black, his nieces, LeeAnn and Julia Black. Also surviving are first cousins, Debbie, Jim, Mark (Rita), Teresa, and Steve (Viki) Coleman, along with numerous dear friends.

Reception of the Body followed by visitation will be Thursday July 13, from 6-9 PM, at St. Peter in Chains Cathedral, 325 W 8th St., Cincinnati.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10 AM on Friday, July 14, also at St. Peter in Chains Cathedral. Most Reverend Dennis M. Schnurr, Archbishop of Cincinnati will preside and Deacon Francis Wagner will serve as homilist.

A private burial service will be held at the request of the family.

The family is being served by Westbrock Funeral Home, Dayton.