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<p><em>Richard Ward “Rick” Coleman</em> was born on May 12, 1948 in Rochester, NY to Richard and Helen Coleman. He grew up in Rochester and attended Catholic schools for 12 years. Although Rick excelled in several athletic endeavors, his one true love was baseball. At Bishop Kearney High School, Rick earned the nickname “Rip” because his pitches were fast and “ripped” across home plate. Rick led Bishop Kearney to division championships for four years in football and baseball. Rick pitched Bishop Kearney’s first no hitter in the school’s three-year history.</p>
<p>Rick also excelled academically in high school and was highly recruited by several top schools (and even some professional sports teams). Rick was extremely close to his parents, especially his father, and he valued their assistance in choosing. Although the idea of West Point was discussed, the Vietnam War caused uncertainty for the family. However, on the day when the high school hosted college recruiters, Rick passed all the tables until he arrived at the West Point table and sat down. Rick related, “I looked over at my father to gage his reaction, and my father smiled with a gentle nod…Yes.” In July 1966 he began his journey of service to country at the United States Military Academy with the Class of 1970. </p>
<p>In addition to his studies at West Point, Rick played baseball. In his yearling year he injured his arm and was unable to continue playing baseball, but he continued his role as hockey equipment manager until he graduated. He was also in the Dialectic Society for three years. He was well liked by his classmates. Rick graduated from West Point as an Armor officer.</p>
<p>After graduation he attended the required Armor Officer Basic Course and Airborne and Ranger schools. However, ultimately wanting more, he went on to complete Pathfinder School and all the prerequisite training courses and programs to become a Green Beret.</p>
<p>His first assignment was to Germany, where he was assigned to be the platoon leader of a platoon in the armored cavalry regiment overlooking the border with East Germany. It was during this time that Rick was involved in a terrorist attack on the West German border and—through his command, conduct and performance—he was promoted to the rank of captain.</p>
<p>In the spring of 1974, after the German terrorist attack and successful defense of the compound, he was recruited by Special Forces to create a small anti-terrorism team that would be operating throughout the European Theater of Operations and be its commanding officer. Rick and his team initially were assigned to either NATO headquarters or 10th Special Forces Group, but, ultimately, they were attached to a German unit to stay hidden.</p>
<p>He was very proud that he and his men survived 13 operations, which included gun fights, a bombing and a helicopter crashes. For his actions he was awarded a Silver Star and two Purple Hearts. He remained in Europe for a total of seven years.</p>
<p>During this time, he traveled extensively and had some amazing encounters. One of which was a trip to the Ferrari plant in Europe. He had purchased a Ferrari. On the visit he managed to meet Enzo Ferrari. He also met Niki Lauda, who was test driving on the track that day. Niki offered to “teach you how to really drive that Ferrari of yours.” Rick accepted.</p>
<p>Upon his return to the U.S., he served in logistics and contracting assignments. He resigned his commission in 1984 and went to work as a government civilian doing contracting work for Communications-Electronics Command at Fort Monmouth, NJ until his retirement in 2006 at the rank of major. </p>
<p>At his sister Pam’s wedding in 1983 he met her best friend, Lisa Sulanowski. Soon after Rick asked Lisa to visit him in New Jersey and go to a West Point football game. Lisa moved to New Jersey in 1984, and they married in August 1986. Their son Michael was born in December 1987. </p>
<p>Rick was an exceptionally devoted father and mentor to his son. Michael mastered baseball, football, and martial arts and emulated his father’s driven personality. Rick always said that the best day of his life was the day his son was born. He also provided endless support to Lisa as she met the challenge of changing careers and became a registered nurse.</p>
<p>Rick’s many interests included martial arts, in which he achieved a third-degree black belt in karate and a black belt (sash) in Wing Chun kung fu. In addition, Rick enjoyed gun collecting and shooting, playing golf, and studying history, especially military history.</p>
<p>After his retirement, he and Lisa moved to a suburb of Tampa, FL. Rick often reflected on his life and accomplishments. He expressed that, from the moment he took his oath as a cadet, he knew his life would be dedicated to serving his country. He had no regrets for the sacrifices made along the way. He traveled the world, forged unbreakable bonds with fellow soldiers in service of their country, experienced the great love of family and friends, and met his many challenges with honor, resilience and courage.</p>
<p>Rick had a full life and lived it “his way.” On October 18, 2024, Rick had an acute stroke and died at the hospice house in Tampa on October 22, with his son and wife at his side. He is survived by his wife, Lisa; son, Michael; and his sisters, Kathy and Pamela.</p>
<p>—<em> Family and Classmate</em></p>
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