Leroy Anthony Coles Jr.

LEROY ANTHONY COLES JR. the son of Leroy Anthony Coles Sr. and Alice Davis Coles, peacefully departed this life on December 8, 2012. Leroy was born in Baltimore, Maryland on November 7, 1920. As a child he attended St. Peter Claver Roman Catholic Church where he received the sacraments. Leroy was educated in the Baltimore City Public School System where he graduated from the Frederick Douglass High School in 1939. His studies at Coppin State (Teachers’ College) University were interrupted by World War II. Leroy served as a sergeant (communications specialist) in the United States Army during World War II in Italy and Africa. He was decorated with three campaign stars, European Victory Medal, American Theatre Medal and Good Conduct Medal. After receiving an honorable discharge from the army, Leroy completed his studies with an undergraduate degree in education in 1946. He later received his masters at Howard University. Leroy married his college sweetheart Rita Veronica Pilgrim on March 2, 1946. Together they demonstrated years of ideal commitment to each other and community youths as scout leaders and leaders at the Druid Hill YMCA summer residential camp (Camp Mohawk). Leroy taught in Baltimore City Public Schools for over thirty years. He retired in 1978 as a well loved and respected principal. He loved bowling, fishing and imparting wisdom upon his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren through long, well thought out stories. Leroy was a member of St. Edward Roman Catholic Church. Recently honored as a trailblazer, Leroy was instrumental in the establishing the current organizational and fiscal structure of the church. Even after he “retired” from his church duties, he was frequently called upon as a “consultant.” Leroy was an active member of various organizations including the Holy Name Society and Fourth Degree Knights of Peter Claver, St. Martin De Porres Assembly No. 41. Leroy was preceded in death by: his parents, Leroy Sr. and Alice; stepmother, Madella Storey; his beloved wife, Rita and his loving son, Leroy Anthony Coles III. Leroy is survived by: his daughter, Angela Cecile Coles Parker; his daughter-in-law, Bettie Lu Coles; his stepmother, Stella Marie Coles; his brother, Marvin Mullen; grandchildren, Leroy Anthony Coles IV and wife Dawn Coles, Katherine Coles Ghant and husband Steve Ghant, Veronica Fowlkes and husband Tyrome Fowlkes Sr., Christopher Gee and embraced grandson, Kevin Dixon Jr.; great-grandchildren, Leroy Anthony Coles V, Tyrome Fowikes Jr., Steven Ghant Jr., Lamont Fowlkes, Declan Coles, Taysean Fowlkes, Jaiden Ghant, Leiland Fowlkes and Rita Fowlkes; devoted cousin, Fannie Harris; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. Affectionately known as Poppy to all who met him, Leroy will be remembered for his great love, guidance and mentoring to family, friends, students and the other lives he touched.

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Leroy Anthony Coles Jr.

November 7, 1921 - December 8, 2012