Phillip E Coleman

Phillip “Phil” E. Coleman, age 69, of Villa Park, Illinois, passed away suddenly, surrounded by his family,

on March 13, 2023 . Beloved husband of Kathleen Coleman, nee Collins; loving father of Ryan

Coleman, Timothy Coleman, Molly (Adam) Kamuda, and Kelly (Michael) Troxell; devoted grandfather

of Bryce Kathleen Troxell and Holden Ronald Troxell; dear son of the late Pierce and Patricia (nee

Canar) Coleman; fond brother of Pierce E. Coleman, Jr., (Margaret), Patricia (Joseph) Dominio, Pamela

Coleman, and the late Penelope (Richard) Leece; loving uncle of 16 nieces and nephews.

Phil was born and raised in Brookfield, Illinois. After high school he enlisted in the United States Army

and the Army chose for him to play on their baseball team. He was always extremely proud of being a

veteran. After serving in the army Phil attended Triton College where he played on the billiards team

and was recognized as “one of Triton’s best” pool players. More importantly, while at Trition he met

and married the love of his life, Kathleen.

Phil and Kathy moved to Villa Park in 1987, where they raised their four children, who he cherished

dearly. Staying true to their Irish Catholic beliefs Phil and Kathy sent all four of their children to St.

Alexander School where they made lifelong friendships with numerous people who they consider as

family still today. For many years Phil also worked as a facilities and grounds manager for St. Alexander

Church, and those who know Phil well know this was his favorite job. He loved working with others,

including all of the priests, parishioners, and especially the teachers. For majority of his life, Phil

worked as an operating engineer for GTE Automatic Electric in Northlake, Illinois. He also worked as an

operating engineer for Sears Headquarters in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.

Phil was very well-known for his quick-witted humor, determination, and generosity. He had a

magnetic personality and made friends with people everywhere he went, even if it was only a short

elevator ride. Phil has been a sports enthusiast his entire life. He thoroughly enjoyed attending his

childrens sport games and professional sport games as well. Everyone knew when he was there

through his commentary and/or sideline “coaching”, so much so that his daughters basketball team at

willowbrook high school bought him his own referee shirt and whistle.

For most of his life Phil was an avid proponent and participant in gambling. From playing poker and

pinochle with his friends and family, or at the “boat”, to spending his entire day at the race track

betting on horses and befriending everyone nearby him. There was no better feeling than to have a

cold drink in one hand and a wager placed.

Phil experienced many challenging and difficult health conditions throughout his adult life, but he

always carried an optimistic outlook. In August 2022 Phil had his right leg (below the knee) amputated,

and had to spend over 30 days recovering and rehabilitating at Rush Hospital in Chicago. Once he was

back at home, Kathy, his beloved wife and best friend, took it upon herself to retire and spend the rest

of their lives caring for and loving each other.

Anyone who was fortunate enough to know Phil will always remember what a truly special man he

was. He was a one of a kind individual and will be sincerely missed. Anyone who knows Phil, knows his

favorite place to be was sitting outside on their deck, with a cigar in one hand and a Mickeys in the

other, solving the world's problems one minute, and the next singing an oldies song word for word. We

are going to end this just as Phil would have, with an “AMEN”.

Visitation Sunday, March 19, 3-8 PM at Steuerle Chapel, 350 S. Ardmore Ave. Villa Park, IL 60181.

Prayers Monday 9:30 AM from the funeral home to St. Alexander Catholic Church, 300 S. Cornell Ave.

Villa Park. Mass 10:15 AM. Interment Private. Funeral info 630-832-4161 or www.steuerlefh.com.