Sheriff "Gerry" Gerard A. Coleman

Gerard A. 'Gerry' Coleman, age 78, Sheriff of Pinellas County, Florida (1981-1989) passed away October 18, 2016. Former Sheriff Coleman worked for the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office from 1960 to 1989. Gerry started his career with the Sheriff’s Office as a patrol deputy. He became a detective and worked his way up the ranks to lieutenant before serving as Sheriff from 1981 to 1989, when he retired. The Sheriff’s Office established its first internal affairs unit and victim advocate program during Gerry's tenure as sheriff. He was instrumental in bringing the 911 Center to the Sheriff’s Office in the 1980’s as well as modernizing the agencies technology, air wing, building and improving the correctional facility currently located on 49th Street in Clearwater. Additionally, Gerry was involved in a number of state level law enforcement associations. During his time as Sherriff, he served on the board of the Florida Sheriffs Association, Florida Sheriff Youth Ranch and the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), at all three agencies he was elective President by their respective membership. Before his retirement, the Sheriff’s Office received its first national accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies the first of its kind in the state of Florida. Survivors include his loving wife Barbara, sons Kevin (Christie), Stephan (Leslie) and Frank (Katie); brother Frank (Esmeralda); and grandchildren Delaney and Jack. Visitation will be from 6-8 PM Friday, October 21, 2016 at David C. Gross Funeral Home in Clearwater, where a wake service will be at 7:30 PM. Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10 AM Saturday, October 22, 2016 at St. Cecelia Catholic Church, 820 Jasmine Way, Clearwater. Burial will follow in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Donations in memory would be appreciated to the Florida Sheriff Youth Ranch in memory of Sheriff Coleman, www.youthranches.org/ David C. Gross Funeral Homes, Belcher Road Chapel in Clearwater is serving the family. Service Information