Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office

Gerard A. “Gerry” Coleman (Retired)
Age: 78
Pinellas County Sheriff from 1981 to 1989

What:
Former Pinellas County Sheriff Gerard “Gerry” Coleman deceased at age 78.

When:
Sheriff Coleman passed away on Tuesday, October 18, 2016.

Where:
Sheriff Coleman passed away at his home in Pinellas County.

How/Why:
Sheriff Bob Gualtieri announced that former Pinellas County Sheriff Gerard “Gerry” Coleman passed away on Tuesday, October 18, 2016. Coleman was at home with his wife when he died of natural causes.  

Former Sheriff Coleman worked for the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office from 1960 to 1989. Coleman started his career with the Sheriff’s Office as a patrol deputy. Coleman became a detective and worked his way up the ranks to lieutenant before serving as Sheriff from 1981 to 1989, when he retired.

The Sheriff’s Office established its first internal affairs unit and victim advocate program during Coleman’s tenure as sheriff. Coleman was instrumental in bringing the 911 Center to the Sheriff’s Office in the 1980’s as well as modernizing the agencies technology, air wing, building and improving the correctional facility currently located on 49^th Street in Clearwater.

Additionally, Coleman was involved in a number of state level law enforcement associations. During his time as Sheriff he served on the board of the Florida Sheriffs Association, Florida Sheriff Youth Ranch and the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), at all three agencies he was elected President by their respective membership.

Before Coleman’s retirement, the Sheriff’s Office received its first national accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies the first of its kind in the state of Florida.

Coleman was survived by his loving wife Barbara, sons Kevin (Christie), Stephan (Leslie) and Frank (Katie); brother Frank (Esmeralda); grandchildren Delaney and Jack and many niece and nephews.

Services for Sheriff Coleman will be as follows:

Viewing and Prayer Service

Friday 10/21 6:00 – 8:00 pm

David Gross Funeral Service

830 N Belcher Rd

Clearwater, FL 33765

727-446-2222

Funeral Service

Saturday 10/22 10:00 am

St Cecelia Catholic Church

820 Jasmine Way

Clearwater, FL 33756

Burial Service

Saturday 10/22, Immediately following funeral service w/ procession

Calvary Catholic Cemetery

5233 118th Ave N

Clearwater, FL 33760

The family asks in lieu of flowers please send donations to the Florida Sheriff Youth Ranch in memory of Sheriff Coleman, www.youthranches.org/

For additional information please contact the Public Relations Bureau at (727) 582-6221.  

Former Sheriff Gerard “Gerry” Coleman.