Dr. Howard M. Coleman

DATELINE: Cranston

Coleman, Dr. Howard M., 90, died Thursday, September 16, 2021 at HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center. He was the beloved husband of Sonya Scholsstein. Born in Jamaica, NY, a son of the late Sidney Coleman and Gertrude (Goldstein) Cohen, he had lived in Cranston since 1979, previously living in East Providence. He was the owner of Children’s Perceptual Vision Center. Howard was a Korean Conflict Army veteran, serving for 39 years in both the Army and Army Reserve. He retired as a Colonel and was Past Commander of the 455th General Hospital (1975-1980). He was a graduate of many advanced military career schools and received a number of medals, awards, and commendations. He was an active member of all his professional organizations. He served as president of the Rhode Island Optometric Association, 1978, and New England Council of Optometrists, 1984-1985, and was member and chair of the Rhode Island State Board of Examiners in Optometry for the Rhode Island Department of Health, 1979-1997. Howard earned a B.S. in Biochemistry, University of Rhode Island, 1951, B.S. in Optometry and O.D. (Doctor of Optometry), New England College of Optometry, 1958, M.Ed. (Master of Education) – Emphasis of Neurological impairment, Rhode Island College, 1966, Fellow, American Academy of Optometry, 1970, and Fellow, College of Optometrists in Vision Development, 1980.

Devoted father of Steven Coleman and his husband, Jeffrey Dean, of White Plains, NY and Janet Coleman of Wilmington, NC. Dear brother of the late Eleanor Simon. Loving grandfather of Caroline Lewis. Cherished uncle of Michele Shaw and her husband, Keith, and their daughters, Katie and Stephanie.

Funeral services and Shiva will be private.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Salvation Army, 386 Broad St., Providence, RI 02907 or HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice, 1085 N. Main St., Providence, RI 02904.

2 Comments

  1. Rob Sherwin
    Sep 19, 2021

    Howard was a gifted professional and wonderful mentor for me.
    He helped me, and may others, overcome visual coordination difficulties at a young age. He was also a good friend and always there for support and advice.

    I will miss my good friend!

  2. Susan LaPidus
    Sep 20, 2021

    Classmates, friends, forever. Huge loss. An empty place left by his leaving us. Great sorrow for his family. My solemn condolences to Sonya.

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