Kenneth Coleman "Casey" Jr. (1951- 2006)
Casey Coleman dies
Cleveland - Casey Coleman has rounded third and headed home. The popular sportscaster won many awards and overcame many obstacles before dying Monday morning after a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer.
Coleman, 55, took up the career and the standard "rounding third" sign-off of his father, Ken Coleman. Casey's father, who died in 2003, was an acclaimed announcer for the Browns, Indians and Ohio State Buckeyes.
During his final year, which he jokingly called "the Casey Coleman Farewell Tour," the sportscaster received many awards and accolades. He was inducted into the Cleveland Journalism Hall of Fame. He won the Emmy Silver Circle Award for life time achievement in broadcasting. He threw out the first pitch at the Indians' home opener. He saw his name go up on the Cleveland Browns' field house in Berea and a wing at Recovery Resources, the addiction services organization.
Despite Coleman's success and popularity, he faced many challenges over the years, including alcoholism and divorce. He was also widely criticized for befriending the Browns' unpopular coach, Bill Belichick. But he was hailed lately for his courage during the ultimate challenge.
Friends say the genial Coleman never took sports too seriously. "It sure beats digging ditches," he'd say.
Interviewing Jim Brown, a leader in football and community work, Coleman once said: "Before we get to the toy department of life, let's talk a little reality. How's the Amer-I-Can program going?"
The Rocky River resident never took himself too seriously, either. "He doesn't get off on hearing himself talk," former WTAM colleague John Webster said before Coleman's death. "He's one of the best."
He was born Kenneth R. Coleman Jr. The initials "K.C." seem to have inspired the nickname "Casey." When he was age 1, his Dad's career took the Colemans from Boston to Cleveland. The boy's childhood chums included grown-up sports stars.
He studied fielding for hours with the Indians' Billy Martin. He also served as a ballboy during the Browns' summer practices at Hiram College.
Coleman graduated from Berwick Academy in Maine, and worked on the air in Boston and Philadelphia. In 1979, he returned to Cleveland to report sports on WERE-AM. Three years later, despite a lawsuit to stop him, he moved to WJW Channel 8 where he served as sports director for almost two decades.
Over the years, Coleman also announced the Force soccer team, the local Budweiser Grand Prix races, minor-league baseball and occasional Indians games. His honors included four Emmy Awards and two straight Associated Press awards as Ohio's best.
Coleman's knowledge was encyclopedic; his delivery, smooth and simple. He once demystified an obscure statistic by saying of the Browns' Paul Warfield, "Every seventh ball he caught, he wound up in the end zone."
Coleman had a dry sense of humor. After Hurricane Katrina, he asked Bernie Kosar, a Miami Hurricane alumnus, "Thought of changing Miami's nickname, Bernie?"
Off the air, Coleman was convicted in the 1980s for driving under the influence. Webster, a recovering alcoholic, cut back on a close friendship rather than witness the drinks and the denials.
A few years ago, Webster was sitting next to an empty chair at a recovery meeting when someone clapped him on the back. "Hey," said Coleman, "you've been holding this seat for me all these years."
Recalls Webster, "It was like a gift to have my friend back." Coleman later became a lay counselor at Recovery Resources.By then, he'd weathered setbacks at work, too. In 1993, he alienated many listeners by defending Belichick's hated decision to dump Kosar.
Two years later, the Browns dumped Cleveland. Then WJW's new owners sidelined Coleman and let his contract expire. But he soon caught on reporting sports for WTAM, where he won new awards and fans. He also rejoiced to see his friend Belichick acclaimed as the genius behind the New England Patriots' three Super Bowl crowns.
In the Fall of 2005 a lingering pain in his side brought Coleman to a doctor's office. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The next day, doctors removed Coleman's spleen, half his pancreas and some of his lymph nodes.
He hoped to be in the 4 percent who survive the disease. But eight months later the cancer returned in his liver. He made his last broadcast on September 5, 2006.
"Casey was a pro to the very end," said Ray Davis, program director of Coleman's station, WTAM. "On the air, he never mentioned his health, and it was business as usual." Coleman's wife, Mary, praised the patient."He never complained," she wrote, "but often commented on how lucky he is to have so many kind, generous and loving people in his life."
Besides Mary, Coleman's survivors include daughters Chelsea and Kayla and stepdaughters Jackie, Kate, Carly and Taryn McDonell.
Reporter Michael Heaton, [email protected], contributed to this story. By Grant Segall, [email protected]
Published in The Plain Dealer on 11/27/2006
****
Kenneth R. "Casey" Coleman
55 on Nov 27. Beloved husband of Mary (Nee Ross), dear father of Chelsea and Kayla, Stepfather of Jackie, Kate, Carly and Taryn McDonnell. Son of Ellen (Nee Veader) and the late Kenneth. Brother of Bill, Susan, Kathleen and Kerri.
Funeral Mass and visitation in Westlake, Ohio on Thursday and Friday. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Casey's Fund at Recovery Resources, 3950 Chester Ave, Cleveland, OH, 44114.{M1} Arrangements by Daniel L Berry-Donald Martens & Sons Funeral Home, 26691 Detroit Rd, Westlake, OH (440) 617-1911
Casey Coleman dies
Cleveland - Casey Coleman has rounded third and headed home. The popular sportscaster won many awards and overcame many obstacles before dying Monday morning after a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer.
Coleman, 55, took up the career and the standard "rounding third" sign-off of his father, Ken Coleman. Casey's father, who died in 2003, was an acclaimed announcer for the Browns, Indians and Ohio State Buckeyes.
During his final year, which he jokingly called "the Casey Coleman Farewell Tour," the sportscaster received many awards and accolades. He was inducted into the Cleveland Journalism Hall of Fame. He won the Emmy Silver Circle Award for life time achievement in broadcasting. He threw out the first pitch at the Indians' home opener. He saw his name go up on the Cleveland Browns' field house in Berea and a wing at Recovery Resources, the addiction services organization.
Despite Coleman's success and popularity, he faced many challenges over the years, including alcoholism and divorce. He was also widely criticized for befriending the Browns' unpopular coach, Bill Belichick. But he was hailed lately for his courage during the ultimate challenge.
Friends say the genial Coleman never took sports too seriously. "It sure beats digging ditches," he'd say.
Interviewing Jim Brown, a leader in football and community work, Coleman once said: "Before we get to the toy department of life, let's talk a little reality. How's the Amer-I-Can program going?"
The Rocky River resident never took himself too seriously, either. "He doesn't get off on hearing himself talk," former WTAM colleague John Webster said before Coleman's death. "He's one of the best."
He was born Kenneth R. Coleman Jr. The initials "K.C." seem to have inspired the nickname "Casey." When he was age 1, his Dad's career took the Colemans from Boston to Cleveland. The boy's childhood chums included grown-up sports stars.
He studied fielding for hours with the Indians' Billy Martin. He also served as a ballboy during the Browns' summer practices at Hiram College.
Coleman graduated from Berwick Academy in Maine, and worked on the air in Boston and Philadelphia. In 1979, he returned to Cleveland to report sports on WERE-AM. Three years later, despite a lawsuit to stop him, he moved to WJW Channel 8 where he served as sports director for almost two decades.
Over the years, Coleman also announced the Force soccer team, the local Budweiser Grand Prix races, minor-league baseball and occasional Indians games. His honors included four Emmy Awards and two straight Associated Press awards as Ohio's best.
Coleman's knowledge was encyclopedic; his delivery, smooth and simple. He once demystified an obscure statistic by saying of the Browns' Paul Warfield, "Every seventh ball he caught, he wound up in the end zone."
Coleman had a dry sense of humor. After Hurricane Katrina, he asked Bernie Kosar, a Miami Hurricane alumnus, "Thought of changing Miami's nickname, Bernie?"
Off the air, Coleman was convicted in the 1980s for driving under the influence. Webster, a recovering alcoholic, cut back on a close friendship rather than witness the drinks and the denials.
A few years ago, Webster was sitting next to an empty chair at a recovery meeting when someone clapped him on the back. "Hey," said Coleman, "you've been holding this seat for me all these years."
Recalls Webster, "It was like a gift to have my friend back." Coleman later became a lay counselor at Recovery Resources.By then, he'd weathered setbacks at work, too. In 1993, he alienated many listeners by defending Belichick's hated decision to dump Kosar.
Two years later, the Browns dumped Cleveland. Then WJW's new owners sidelined Coleman and let his contract expire. But he soon caught on reporting sports for WTAM, where he won new awards and fans. He also rejoiced to see his friend Belichick acclaimed as the genius behind the New England Patriots' three Super Bowl crowns.
In the Fall of 2005 a lingering pain in his side brought Coleman to a doctor's office. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The next day, doctors removed Coleman's spleen, half his pancreas and some of his lymph nodes.
He hoped to be in the 4 percent who survive the disease. But eight months later the cancer returned in his liver. He made his last broadcast on September 5, 2006.
"Casey was a pro to the very end," said Ray Davis, program director of Coleman's station, WTAM. "On the air, he never mentioned his health, and it was business as usual." Coleman's wife, Mary, praised the patient."He never complained," she wrote, "but often commented on how lucky he is to have so many kind, generous and loving people in his life."
Besides Mary, Coleman's survivors include daughters Chelsea and Kayla and stepdaughters Jackie, Kate, Carly and Taryn McDonell.
Reporter Michael Heaton, [email protected], contributed to this story. By Grant Segall, [email protected]
Published in The Plain Dealer on 11/27/2006
****
Kenneth R. "Casey" Coleman
55 on Nov 27. Beloved husband of Mary (Nee Ross), dear father of Chelsea and Kayla, Stepfather of Jackie, Kate, Carly and Taryn McDonnell. Son of Ellen (Nee Veader) and the late Kenneth. Brother of Bill, Susan, Kathleen and Kerri.
Funeral Mass and visitation in Westlake, Ohio on Thursday and Friday. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Casey's Fund at Recovery Resources, 3950 Chester Ave, Cleveland, OH, 44114.{M1} Arrangements by Daniel L Berry-Donald Martens & Sons Funeral Home, 26691 Detroit Rd, Westlake, OH (440) 617-1911
Kenneth Coleman "Casey" Jr. (1951- 2006)
Casey Coleman dies
Cleveland - Casey Coleman has rounded third and headed home. The popular sportscaster won many awards and overcame many obstacles before dying Monday morning after a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer.
Coleman, 55, took up the career and the standard "rounding third" sign-off of his father, Ken Coleman. Casey's father, who died in 2003, was an acclaimed announcer for the Browns, Indians and Ohio State Buckeyes.
During his final year, which he jokingly called "the Casey Coleman Farewell Tour," the sportscaster received many awards and accolades. He was inducted into the Cleveland Journalism Hall of Fame. He won the Emmy Silver Circle Award for life time achievement in broadcasting. He threw out the first pitch at the Indians' home opener. He saw his name go up on the Cleveland Browns' field house in Berea and a wing at Recovery Resources, the addiction services organization.
Despite Coleman's success and popularity, he faced many challenges over the years, including alcoholism and divorce. He was also widely criticized for befriending the Browns' unpopular coach, Bill Belichick. But he was hailed lately for his courage during the ultimate challenge.
Friends say the genial Coleman never took sports too seriously. "It sure beats digging ditches," he'd say.
Interviewing Jim Brown, a leader in football and community work, Coleman once said: "Before we get to the toy department of life, let's talk a little reality. How's the Amer-I-Can program going?"
The Rocky River resident never took himself too seriously, either. "He doesn't get off on hearing himself talk," former WTAM colleague John Webster said before Coleman's death. "He's one of the best."
He was born Kenneth R. Coleman Jr. The initials "K.C." seem to have inspired the nickname "Casey." When he was age 1, his Dad's career took the Colemans from Boston to Cleveland. The boy's childhood chums included grown-up sports stars.
He studied fielding for hours with the Indians' Billy Martin. He also served as a ballboy during the Browns' summer practices at Hiram College.
Coleman graduated from Berwick Academy in Maine, and worked on the air in Boston and Philadelphia. In 1979, he returned to Cleveland to report sports on WERE-AM. Three years later, despite a lawsuit to stop him, he moved to WJW Channel 8 where he served as sports director for almost two decades.
Over the years, Coleman also announced the Force soccer team, the local Budweiser Grand Prix races, minor-league baseball and occasional Indians games. His honors included four Emmy Awards and two straight Associated Press awards as Ohio's best.
Coleman's knowledge was encyclopedic; his delivery, smooth and simple. He once demystified an obscure statistic by saying of the Browns' Paul Warfield, "Every seventh ball he caught, he wound up in the end zone."
Coleman had a dry sense of humor. After Hurricane Katrina, he asked Bernie Kosar, a Miami Hurricane alumnus, "Thought of changing Miami's nickname, Bernie?"
Off the air, Coleman was convicted in the 1980s for driving under the influence. Webster, a recovering alcoholic, cut back on a close friendship rather than witness the drinks and the denials.
A few years ago, Webster was sitting next to an empty chair at a recovery meeting when someone clapped him on the back. "Hey," said Coleman, "you've been holding this seat for me all these years."
Recalls Webster, "It was like a gift to have my friend back." Coleman later became a lay counselor at Recovery Resources.By then, he'd weathered setbacks at work, too. In 1993, he alienated many listeners by defending Belichick's hated decision to dump Kosar.
Two years later, the Browns dumped Cleveland. Then WJW's new owners sidelined Coleman and let his contract expire. But he soon caught on reporting sports for WTAM, where he won new awards and fans. He also rejoiced to see his friend Belichick acclaimed as the genius behind the New England Patriots' three Super Bowl crowns.
In the Fall of 2005 a lingering pain in his side brought Coleman to a doctor's office. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The next day, doctors removed Coleman's spleen, half his pancreas and some of his lymph nodes.
He hoped to be in the 4 percent who survive the disease. But eight months later the cancer returned in his liver. He made his last broadcast on September 5, 2006.
"Casey was a pro to the very end," said Ray Davis, program director of Coleman's station, WTAM. "On the air, he never mentioned his health, and it was business as usual." Coleman's wife, Mary, praised the patient."He never complained," she wrote, "but often commented on how lucky he is to have so many kind, generous and loving people in his life."
Besides Mary, Coleman's survivors include daughters Chelsea and Kayla and stepdaughters Jackie, Kate, Carly and Taryn McDonell.
Reporter Michael Heaton, [email protected], contributed to this story. By Grant Segall, [email protected]
Published in The Plain Dealer on 11/27/2006
****
Kenneth R. "Casey" Coleman
55 on Nov 27. Beloved husband of Mary (Nee Ross), dear father of Chelsea and Kayla, Stepfather of Jackie, Kate, Carly and Taryn McDonnell. Son of Ellen (Nee Veader) and the late Kenneth. Brother of Bill, Susan, Kathleen and Kerri.
Funeral Mass and visitation in Westlake, Ohio on Thursday and Friday. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Casey's Fund at Recovery Resources, 3950 Chester Ave, Cleveland, OH, 44114.{M1} Arrangements by Daniel L Berry-Donald Martens & Sons Funeral Home, 26691 Detroit Rd, Westlake, OH (440) 617-1911
Casey Coleman dies
Cleveland - Casey Coleman has rounded third and headed home. The popular sportscaster won many awards and overcame many obstacles before dying Monday morning after a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer.
Coleman, 55, took up the career and the standard "rounding third" sign-off of his father, Ken Coleman. Casey's father, who died in 2003, was an acclaimed announcer for the Browns, Indians and Ohio State Buckeyes.
During his final year, which he jokingly called "the Casey Coleman Farewell Tour," the sportscaster received many awards and accolades. He was inducted into the Cleveland Journalism Hall of Fame. He won the Emmy Silver Circle Award for life time achievement in broadcasting. He threw out the first pitch at the Indians' home opener. He saw his name go up on the Cleveland Browns' field house in Berea and a wing at Recovery Resources, the addiction services organization.
Despite Coleman's success and popularity, he faced many challenges over the years, including alcoholism and divorce. He was also widely criticized for befriending the Browns' unpopular coach, Bill Belichick. But he was hailed lately for his courage during the ultimate challenge.
Friends say the genial Coleman never took sports too seriously. "It sure beats digging ditches," he'd say.
Interviewing Jim Brown, a leader in football and community work, Coleman once said: "Before we get to the toy department of life, let's talk a little reality. How's the Amer-I-Can program going?"
The Rocky River resident never took himself too seriously, either. "He doesn't get off on hearing himself talk," former WTAM colleague John Webster said before Coleman's death. "He's one of the best."
He was born Kenneth R. Coleman Jr. The initials "K.C." seem to have inspired the nickname "Casey." When he was age 1, his Dad's career took the Colemans from Boston to Cleveland. The boy's childhood chums included grown-up sports stars.
He studied fielding for hours with the Indians' Billy Martin. He also served as a ballboy during the Browns' summer practices at Hiram College.
Coleman graduated from Berwick Academy in Maine, and worked on the air in Boston and Philadelphia. In 1979, he returned to Cleveland to report sports on WERE-AM. Three years later, despite a lawsuit to stop him, he moved to WJW Channel 8 where he served as sports director for almost two decades.
Over the years, Coleman also announced the Force soccer team, the local Budweiser Grand Prix races, minor-league baseball and occasional Indians games. His honors included four Emmy Awards and two straight Associated Press awards as Ohio's best.
Coleman's knowledge was encyclopedic; his delivery, smooth and simple. He once demystified an obscure statistic by saying of the Browns' Paul Warfield, "Every seventh ball he caught, he wound up in the end zone."
Coleman had a dry sense of humor. After Hurricane Katrina, he asked Bernie Kosar, a Miami Hurricane alumnus, "Thought of changing Miami's nickname, Bernie?"
Off the air, Coleman was convicted in the 1980s for driving under the influence. Webster, a recovering alcoholic, cut back on a close friendship rather than witness the drinks and the denials.
A few years ago, Webster was sitting next to an empty chair at a recovery meeting when someone clapped him on the back. "Hey," said Coleman, "you've been holding this seat for me all these years."
Recalls Webster, "It was like a gift to have my friend back." Coleman later became a lay counselor at Recovery Resources.By then, he'd weathered setbacks at work, too. In 1993, he alienated many listeners by defending Belichick's hated decision to dump Kosar.
Two years later, the Browns dumped Cleveland. Then WJW's new owners sidelined Coleman and let his contract expire. But he soon caught on reporting sports for WTAM, where he won new awards and fans. He also rejoiced to see his friend Belichick acclaimed as the genius behind the New England Patriots' three Super Bowl crowns.
In the Fall of 2005 a lingering pain in his side brought Coleman to a doctor's office. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The next day, doctors removed Coleman's spleen, half his pancreas and some of his lymph nodes.
He hoped to be in the 4 percent who survive the disease. But eight months later the cancer returned in his liver. He made his last broadcast on September 5, 2006.
"Casey was a pro to the very end," said Ray Davis, program director of Coleman's station, WTAM. "On the air, he never mentioned his health, and it was business as usual." Coleman's wife, Mary, praised the patient."He never complained," she wrote, "but often commented on how lucky he is to have so many kind, generous and loving people in his life."
Besides Mary, Coleman's survivors include daughters Chelsea and Kayla and stepdaughters Jackie, Kate, Carly and Taryn McDonell.
Reporter Michael Heaton, [email protected], contributed to this story. By Grant Segall, [email protected]
Published in The Plain Dealer on 11/27/2006
****
Kenneth R. "Casey" Coleman
55 on Nov 27. Beloved husband of Mary (Nee Ross), dear father of Chelsea and Kayla, Stepfather of Jackie, Kate, Carly and Taryn McDonnell. Son of Ellen (Nee Veader) and the late Kenneth. Brother of Bill, Susan, Kathleen and Kerri.
Funeral Mass and visitation in Westlake, Ohio on Thursday and Friday. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Casey's Fund at Recovery Resources, 3950 Chester Ave, Cleveland, OH, 44114.{M1} Arrangements by Daniel L Berry-Donald Martens & Sons Funeral Home, 26691 Detroit Rd, Westlake, OH (440) 617-1911
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