It is with great sadness we announce the passing of John Hoover Coleman on Friday, August 7, 2026, at Pomona Valley Hospital, just weeks after celebrating his 96th birthday. Born in Boston, Mass. on July 6, 1930, John married Florence McCoy and later became a long-time resident of Redlands, California where he enjoyed seeing the crests of the San Bernardino mountain range from his home. He witnessed many changes take place over the decades since he and Florence moved their young family into the home – including the construction of Texonia Park on the edge of vast groves of Valencia and Navel oranges.
Over the years, the groves gave way to the expansion of the neighborhood, and John remained one of the early residents deeply connected to the beauty of the place that he loved. He was a gifted photographer, and many of the most cherished images of family were captured by his eye and his ability to find the unguarded moments of folks just being themselves. He was also a first call photojournalist who documented community events throughout the Inland Empire for many decades.
He was a long-standing member of the National Association of Social Workers, Urban League, American Cancer Society, and he served on the Board of the Redlands YMCA.
A member of the U.S. Army, John served in the Korean War as a Radio Communications Specialist. After returning home, he completed his undergraduate, then graduate studies earning a Master of Social Work from Simmons College in Boston, Mass. He worked as a Counselor at Patton State Hospital in San Bernardino, and then as an Administrator and Counselor at the University of California at Riverside. Upon leaving UCR, he continued work in counseling and at San Bernardino Valley College.
John is survived by his sons, Johnny (Rhonda) and David Coleman; five grandchildren, Ayo, Tayari, Nyima, Mykal, Myles Coleman; five nieces, one nephew, and a host of cousins, great nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his Father, Larkin Coleman, his mother, Beulah (née. Harrison) Coleman; siblings, Larkin, Amy, and Samuel Coleman, and his wife, Florence (née. McCoy) Coleman.
John was blessed with a long journey on this earth, and he lived his life fully on his own terms. A memorial gathering to celebrate John’s life will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Cancer Society
