On May 10, 2023, Howard "Knocky" Preston Coleman peacefully entered into his eternal slumber in the comfort of his home with his son, Randal S. Coleman at his bedside.

Howard was born on January 29, 1941, in Valhalla, New York as the second child to the late Augusta Carden and the late William "Bill" Coleman.

In his youth, Howard loved to play baseball, wear tailored suits, and sing as a member of a local R&B doo-wop group.

At the age of 18, Howard enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Howard was stationed at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina. During his enlistment period, Howard met his future wife, the late, Lubertha "Bert" (Bosier) Coleman, whom he affectionately referred to as his "Bride" throughout their 61 years of marriage.

After marrying and completing his enlistment assignment, Howard relocated his family to Tuckahoe, New York, where they raised their three children. During his 50-plus years in New York, Howard was employed at General Motors, and retired from the US Postal Service, having more than 22 years of perfect attendance.

Never ceasing to expand his horizons, Howard attended night school at Westchester Community College to obtain an associate's degree as an adult.

As an active member of Emanuel AME Church, Howard led men's bible study, helped support the elderly congregation, organized community sports events, and provides transportation to the youth to practices and games.

Outside of his career, church, and community involvement, Howard enjoyed nature and animals, transistor radios, evenings out dancing with his "Bride," and learning little-known facts about everything from world history and geography to psychology and biology.

After retirement, Howard and his wife, Bert, relocated back to Wilmington, North Carolina, where he assisted in caring for his late mother-in-law, Vernether Bosier, and within a few years, his mother, Augusta Carden.

In 2016, Howard built his "Bride" a new forever home in Fredericksburg, Virginia. There, they forged new ties and friendships. He enjoyed walks on the community trails with their faithful Yorkie, Preston, soaking in the scenery from his sunporch, frequent visits with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, dining with new friends, and was warmly welcomed by the members of New Hope Christian Ministries. Howard soon turned his full attention to the needs of his wife and supported her throughout her illness.

Howard is predeceased by his loving wife of 61 years, Lubertha (Bosier) Coleman, his mother, Augusta Carden, father, William Coleman, and sister, Barbara Carden.

Howard is survived by his children, Dana "Pam" Ismael, Nina "Penny" Coleman-Alston, and Randal Coleman; five grandchildren, Atiyah, Amir, and Asim Ismael, Alana (Coleman) Armstrong, and Janai Coleman-Bens; four great-grandchildren, Aminah and Ammare Ismael, Maddox and Brooks Howard Armstrong; many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews.

The family of Howard Coleman wishes to thank all those who have supported us during this difficult time. We are especially grateful to Pastor Brooks of NHCM and Minister Hughey for their years of prayer, and counseling, nurses, and his personal aide, Betty, and friends from the Celebrate community.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity of your choice in memory of Howard P. Coleman.

A graveside service will be held at Quantico National Cemetery on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at 10:00 AM.