Benjamin C. Coleman

Ben Coleman of Lake Ariel, PA, formerly of Monroe, NY, passed away at the age of 87 on July 27th with his family at his side. He was the loving husband of Elizabeth (Betty) Berninger Coleman.

Ben was born in Monroe, NY, youngest son of Henry E. and Helen V. Coleman. He attended Monroe High School and graduated from Goshen Central School. He studied horticulture and agriculture at Morrisville State Agriculture and Technical College and attended Orange County Community College. Ben was the first foreign exchange student, serving as a “grass roots ambassador” to Bavaria, Germany from 1950-1951.

Ben served proudly in the Korean War, as Tech Sgt. in the 3 ^rd Division, 10 ^th Field Artillery Battalion. He was awarded the Campaign Battle Star, Bronze Star, National Defense Medal, Korean Service Medal with Battle Star, U.N. Service Medal, US Presidential Unit Citation, ROK Presidential Unit Citation, Cold War Citation and Conspicuous Star and Cross.

Ben was a well-known New York State Trooper who was respected and known for his compassion. He retired in 1982 after 25 years, serving in Troops D, K and F. During this time, he also spent over 22 years in the Boy Scouts as a Scout Master, District Commissioner and Program Director for Sullivan County. He was selected to lead the National Troop in 1975 to the World Jamboree in Norway. Ben was also a member of the Elks, Middletown, NY; Orange County Historical Society; Orange County Genealogical Society and was past president of the genealogical society. He was a member of the Monroe Rod and Gun Club and served as secretary for the Lakeside Fire Company. He spent many years as a skilled wood carver and was a member of the Mid-Hudson Wood Carvers, National Wood Carvers and the Cherry Ridge Carvers of Honesdale, PA.

Ben is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Betty, at home; daughter Carolyn Scobie of DeLancey, NY; son Benjamin of New Paltz, NY; son Andrew and his wife Lili of Bloomingburg, NY; granddaughter Jennifer Scobie and her husband David Pierson of Fairport, NY; grandsons Matthew and Micah Scobie, both of DeLancey, NY; sisters Evelyn Faber of Monroe, NY and  Clarice Coleman of Saunderstown, RI; many nieces, nephews, extended family and loving friends. He is predeceased by his brothers Donald and Richard.

Ben was a firm believer in family and faith. He was humble, hard-working and truly loved life. He will be missed.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 10am in St Mary’s Church 305 St Mary’s Church Rd. Lake Ariel, PA 18436.

Anyone attending the mass are asked to go directly to the church.

Friends may call Tuesday from 4-7pm in the James Wilson Funeral Home 143 Gravity Rd. Lake Ariel

Interment with military honors, St. Mary’s Cemetery 305 St. Mary’s Church Rd. Lake Ariel, PA 18436.

Family and friends are invited to a luncheon at the WLE Club house immediately following.