Dr. Morton "Moe" Coleman
January 28, 2019

COLEMAN: DR. MORTON "MOE":  On Monday, January 28, 2019. Beloved husband of Greta Gold Coleman. Loving father of Howard (Linda) Coleman and Jim (Adele) Coleman. Brother of Phyllis (late Lester) Dreyfuss. Papa to Hannah Coleman (Alvero Vela), Aaron Coleman and Chuck McCumber. Great-grandfather of Miles Vela. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Services at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside on Thursday at 11 AM. Visitation one and one half hour prior to services (9:30 - 11 AM). Interment Beth Shalom Cemetery. Contributions may be made to the Institute of Politics through the office of Institutional Advancements, University of Pittsburgh, 128 N. Craig Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15260 or The Pittsburgh Foundation, Five PPG Place, Suite 250, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. www.schugar.com 

Condolences

t is so hard to articulate how Dr. Moe Coleman impacted my life over 21 years ago. It was the furthest I lived from home (6.5 hours) and during a fragile time in my life when I worried for my family at home. I was also nervous about the program. From the first call from Moe welcoming me to Pitt and to set up a time to plan my schedule I knew by his voice all would be ok. It is that voice that whether challenging you to think outside the box, encourage you to find courage within or giving sound wisdom at any given time. His voice is the first thing that comes to mind. Even 21 years later I can still hear it. Recently watching a video of his last lecture brings tears to my eyes and warmth to my heart because I know just how honored I was to be a student of his and that my life is richer thanks to his guidance and kindness. I send love and light to his lovely wife whom graciously welcomed me into her home once and I will always remember her kindness on that Yom Kippur in 1998. My thoughts are with his whole family, esteemed colleagues, friends and all whom were blessed to have a little bit of Moe in their lives. May his memory be a blessing to us all and inspire us to continue seaching for Common Ground to make this world a better place.

Greta, I remember bringing my then Fiancé Pat to have dinner with you at Moe, asking for your opinion and your blessing which you both graciously gave. We are having are 25th Anniversary this year! I love you both and please accept our condolences. I will always think of Moe with the deepest love and respect.

Moe Coleman inspired me to focus my social work career in the direction of community organization and provided the knowledge of practice to make it effective. He was truly the role model of practice what you teach. When I reflect on my formal education and my life’s values education at Pitt 1966-68, it’s clear that for 50+ years Moe Coleman’s influence has had a lasting positive impact on me. I am grateful to have been his student.

Words cannot express the sorrow I feel for Dr. Coleman’s family. Dr. Coleman was a professor, mentor and friend to all who knew him. I’m so glad I had a chance to be his student. Rest In Eternal Peace

With deepest sympathy to the Coleman family and all those grieving the loss of this wonderful man. I am forever indebted to Moe for his incredible gifts as a teacher. His commitment to the pursuit of social justice was beyond comparison. His smile lit every room he entered.

Sending love to you Greta and to your family. From too far away,...I send hugs. As you know , Moe was my favorite Professor and a true friend to me and to my Family. He left a beautiful legacy and the world a better place because he was in it. I will continue to tell his stories of which I have many... and to keep him close to my heart xo

My deepest sympathies to the Coleman family at this sad time. I am grateful for the time Moe was in my life as a friend, colleague, and mentor. May the memories of his life well lived be some comfort at this difficult time.