George William Coleman

George William Coleman (February 1, 1939 – May 24, 2024) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. Coleman served as bishop of the Diocese of Fall River in Massachusetts from 2003 to 2014.

Biography

Early life and education George Coleman was born on February 1, 1939, to George and Beatrice (née Shea) Coleman in Fall River, Massachusetts; he had one sister, Eileen. Raised in Somerset, Massachusetts, he attended Village Elementary School. Coleman graduated from Monsignor James Coyle High School in Taunton, Massachusetts in 1957.

While studying at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, Coleman decided to enter the priesthood. He attended St. John's Seminary in Boston and then the Pontifical North American College in Rome. Coleman completed his theological studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, receiving a Licentiate in Theology.

Ordination and ministry On December 16, 1964, Coleman was ordained to the priesthood in Rome at St. Peter's Basilica by Bishop Francis Reh for the Diocese of Fall River.