Benjamin "Pete" Coleman, age 75, of Erie, PA, passed away on Sunday, March 12, 2023 at St. Vincent Health Center. He was born in Mt. Sterling, AL on July 8, 1947. He was the son of the late Julius & Dora Massey Coleman. At the age of 8, he moved to Erie, PA and was raised by his aunt & uncle, the late Bonzie & Earline Massey Lee.

After attending Academy High School, Pete enlisted in the United States Navy where he served as a medic. He later obtained his cosmetology license and spent weekends working as a barber. In his early years he was employed by American Meter. He later switched careers and became employed with William Orr as a truck driver. Pete worked in the construction field as a foreman for Mine-R-T. Upon leaving Mine-R-T, he formed his own construction company named Coor. He was a sports enthusiast and formerly played football, baseball and basketball. He was an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Boston Celtics. Pete enjoyed coaching youth basketball, fishing, spending time with his family and hanging out with his friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of thirty years, Janice Coleman; two sisters, Carnell Williams and Peggy Coleman; two brothers, Odell "Bubba" Coleman and Michael "Mack" Coleman.

He is survived by his two daughters, Michelle (Ron) Martin of Wilmington, DE and Stephanie (Corey) Rosendary of Erie, PA; two sons, Sean (Stacey) Coleman of Philadelphia, PA and Cory (Susan) Coleman of Beaver Falls, PA; three stepchildren, Tammy (Charles) Pou of Raleigh, NC, Tabitha (Ulysses) Rivers of Charlotte, NC and Bobby Hamilton of Erie, PA; two sisters, Margaree (Jeff) Carter of Matawan, NJ and Brendlyn "Brenda" Tamplin of Erie, PA. He is further survived by 21 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, best friend Kelly Mosley, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Friends may visit with the family at First Good Samaritan A.M.E. Zion Church, 3209 Pennsylvania Ave. on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 10am to 12pm where a homegoing celebration will immediately follow with Elder Elois Crosby eulogizing. Professional services are entrusted to Pitts Funeral Home, 2926 Pine Ave. Erie, PA 16504.