Former Pinellas County Sheriff Gerry Coleman Dies at 78

CLEARWATER, FL — The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office has announced the death of its former leader, Sheriff Gerard “Gerry” Coleman. Coleman passed away Tuesday, Oct. 18, at the age of 78.

According to current Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, Coleman died at home with his wife. His death was reportedly due to natural causes.

Coleman worked for the Pinellas sheriff’s office from 1960 to 1989. His career began in patrol, but he quickly worked his way up to detective. Coleman also worked through the ranks to earn the title of lieutenant before serving as the county’s sheriff from 1981 to 1989.

During Coleman’s time as sheriff, the agency created its first internal affairs unit and victim advocate program. He is also credited with helping bring the 911 Center to the sheriff’s office and was an advocate of modernizing the agency’s technology, air wing and correctional facility.

Coleman served on the board of the Florida Sheriffs Association, the Florida Sheriff Youth Ranch and the Fraternal Order of Police. He served as president of all three organizations during his career.

Coleman also earned the sheriff’s office its first national accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. Pinellas’ accomplishment was a first for the state, an email from the sheriff’s office said.

Coleman is survived by his wife, Barbara; sons Kevin (Christie), Stephan (Leslie) and Frank (Katie); brother Frank (Esmeralda); grandchildren Delaney and Jack; and many nieces and nephews.

Services have been announced as follows:

Viewing and Prayer Service

• Friday, Oct. 21 from 6 to 8 p.m.
• David Gross Funeral Service, 830 N. Belcher Road, Clearwater

Funeral Service

• Saturday, Oct. 22, 10 a.m.
• St. Cecelia Catholic Church, 820 Jasmine Way, Clearwater

Burial Service

• Saturday, Oct. 22, immediately following the funeral
• Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 5233 118th Ave. N., Clearwater

The family is requesting, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Florida Sheriff Youth Ranch in Sheriff Coleman’s memory. Donations may be made via www.youthranches.org.

Photo courtesy of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office