Edward Coleman’s journey from Pittsburgh to Richmond was marked by resilience and compassion — qualities that drew soldiers, karate students and family members to Scott’s Funeral Home weeks after the 82-year-old’s Sept. 10 death to celebrate a life dedicated to service and teaching.

Over the course of 90 minutes, soldiers recognized his military service, students from his Shotokan karate classes showcased their skills, and family and friends shared fond memories and emotional farewells.

“He always greeted you with a smile,” said Coleman’s wife, Charlene Warner Coleman. “He was the best for everyone, and he was always encouraging.”

Coleman was born Aug. 11, 1943, in Pittsburgh to Sanford and Earline Coleman. His family later moved to Hempstead, New York, where he attended Hempstead High School. After high school, Coleman served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. The injuries he sustained didn't deter him from pursuing his interests. He graduated from Queens College in 1974 with a bachelor's degree in business.

Coleman applied his skills in numerous roles over the decades, including karate sensei. An active member of The Links Inc.’s James River Valley Chapter and the U.S. Black Caucus Veterans Division, he also volunteered with Richmond Public Schools.

“That was his nature,” his wife said when asked why he taught karate. “He would always want to better other people, so if he knew something, he would try to teach you so you could do better yourself.”

Coleman also started a television production company, Coleman’s Connections, and traveled to locations across the world throughout his life.

He met Charlene in 1995 at a New York airport while both waited to board a flight to Benin in West Africa. The two connected, and Coleman’s company later hired hers to shoot a tourism package in Benin. They married in 2002.

Coleman went on to produce Charlene’s “Tropical Beat” TV show and hosted his own talk show, “Conversation with Ed,” for several years.

Coleman faced a major challenge in 2020 when a COVID-19 infection was discovered during a routine doctor’s visit. He was hospitalized for months to address the virus’ effects, including weeks in a medically induced coma.

Doctors weren't optimistic about Coleman’s prospects, given his age, preexisting health issues and the limited COVID-19 treatments available at the time. His eventual recovery was all the more remarkable.

Charlene later wrote a book about the experience, and Coleman sought to rebuild his life while tackling the impact of long COVID on his health, continuing his karate classes and even reviving “Conversation with Ed” for a brief period.

Coleman was preceded in death by his parents, brother Ronald and son Eddie. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sister, Mary Ann; children Kelley and Glenn-Thomas; other children Dia, Thandi and Tarik; 11 grandchildren; and other family and friends.