Brian Coleman

Brian Coleman

Age 20 of Wilmington, passed away Monday August 8, 2011 at his home surrounded by his family, following a courageous battle with Cancer.

Born January 30, 1991 in Joliet, Brian is the son of Jim and Nan Vercelli-Coleman. He was raised and educated in Wilmington, diligently home schooled under the guidance of Miss Mary Ellen McGrath and graduating with the Wilmington High School Class of 2009. Brian was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Wilmington.

Through Brian's interest and enthusiasm in working with Apple Computers, he shared his knowledge to assist in the website design at his church, as well as provided computer instruction at the Library. Brian had a great love for the outdoors and this was displayed in his zest for boating, swimming, camping and kayaking. He was also a diehard Ford truck guy and had a great eye for photography.

Brian truly lived with Cancer and never complained. He set an example for others and always figured out how to step around or supersede anything that got in his way. He was a motivational speaker for those involved with both Football and Soccer, and will always be remembered for his sincere empathy and genuine interest in always making his best efforts to help others.

Survivors include his parents: Jim and Nan Coleman; one sister Sarah Coleman; maternal grandparents: Scotty and Sharon Vercelli and paternal grandmother Beverly Kazmier, all of Wilmington. Georgene Otzko of Schaumburg, who was like a grandmother to Brian; two aunts, whom were both his Godmothers: Debbi (Mark) Cox and Lynn (Lodi) Vercelli, both of Wilmington; one uncle Steve (Laura) Vercelli of Mississippi; first cousins: Nick Cox, Zach Cox, Abbey Cox, Michael Vercelli, Maria Vercelli, Allison Vercelli, Gina Vercelli, Tony Vercelli, Vince Vercelli, Jake Vercelli and Bryan Rub, and his girlfriend Renee Shibley, as well as several great aunts and uncles and numerous cousins and friends.

Brian was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather James John Coleman and step-grandfather Bill Kazmier.

The family will receive friends at the First United Methodist Church, 401 East Kahler Road in Wilmington on Thursday August 11, 2011 between the hours of 4:00PM and 8:00PM. Funeral services will follow Friday August 12, 2011 at 10:00AM in the church with Reverend Mi-Sook Yoo and Reverend David Lagos-Fonseca officiating.

Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery in Wilmington, and Brians' parents Jim and Nan Coleman, sister Sarah Coleman and cousins: Nick Cox, Zach Cox, Michael Vercelli and Bryan Rub will act as pallbearers.

Friends may sign the online guest book or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.FRBfuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Freitag-Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815/476-2181)