Lawrence Herbert Coleman, 81, of Virginia Beach, died peacefully Monday, April 27, 2020. A native and lifelong resident of Hampton Roads, he was born July 9, 1938, to the late Isadore and Bessie (Levin) Coleman.
He grew up in Ghent and attended Taylor Elementary; Blair Junior High; and Maury High School, Class of 1956. He was a member of the last graduating class of the Norfolk division of the College of William & Mary, now ODU, in 1962 with a B.A. Degree in History, which remained a lifelong avocation, particularly in local history. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1963 to 1969.
Larry was particularly fond of sports, having participated in local leagues for basketball, football and baseball. He was a lifelong fan of both the New York Yankees and Washington Redskins. He had a keen sense of humor and loved telling jokes. He was an inveterate raconteur.
Assuming management of Coleman Shoes after the death of his father, he expanded the business with stores and shoe departments throughout the Tidewater area. He was president of the Church Street Business and Professional Association, representing the multiracial group from 1975 to 1979 before multiple governmental agencies, including the Norfolk City Council.
He was a staunch advocate for the preservation of the historical area. In an effort to pressure the City Council to act, he published a monograph entitled ‘A decade of decay during the Brick and Mortar Administration: a history of Church Street.’ Subsequently, he served on multiple committees for redevelopment sponsored by the federal government. He was instrumental in having a regional post office located on Church Street. In the latter part of his career, he sold office supplies, engraved stationery and printing, specializing in the legal profession.
A lifelong member of B’Nai Israel Congregation, he is survived by his brother, Dr. Morton Coleman, and his wife, Joyce, of Bethesda, Maryland, and New York City; two nieces, Ingrid Barnett, and her husband, Bob, of New York City, Abigail Epstein, and her husband, Joshua, of Washington, D.C.; nephew, Benjamin Coleman, and his wife, Angela, of La Jolla, California; and five grand-nieces and one grand-nephew, who he loved as his own children.
Because of the COVID-19 epidemic, a private graveside ceremony will be held.
Donations in his memory may be directed to B’Nai Israel Congregation.
Share online condolences with the family at H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts.
