04-08-2025
Funeral to be held for Worcester man who ‘never stopped showing up for the city he loved'
A funeral for William 'Bill' Sonnie Coleman III, a longtime community advocate in Worcester who campaigned for mayor 13 times, will be held on Aug. 8.
Coleman died on July 20, according to his obituary. He was 70 years old.
The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. at St Peter's Church in Worcester. Coleman's family will have a repass at the Tatnuck American Legion Hall on Mill Street after the funeral, according to the obituary.
Born in Philadelphia, Coleman earned bachelor's degrees in political science and business at Worcester State College, his obituary reads. He repeatedly ran for public office, seeking the office of Mayor of Worcester whenever he could.
His first campaign for mayor was in 1991 and his most recent one took place in 2023. He lost in all of his races.
'Bill was a lifelong community advocate and perennial candidate who never stopped showing up for the city he loved,' Mayor Joseph Petty said in a statement. 'Bill believed in civic engagement, equity, and the power of public service. He was a familiar face at City Hall and in our neighborhoods, always pushing for a better Worcester.'
'His courage to step forward as a candidate time and again gave inspiration to countless others, myself included, City Council Vice Chair and Councilor-at-Large Khyrstian King said in a statement. 'Bill believed in the transformative power of civic participation, and his impact will be felt for generations to come."
Coleman was also the host and producer of the WCCA television program, 'This is Worcester.' The show featured several interviews and discussions about the city, its history and the issues its community faces.
'Beyond the screen, he devoted himself to public service — as a city council candidate, volunteer, and champion for numerous local nonprofits,' a post on the WCCA Facebook page reads. 'His commitment, kindness, and civic spirit touched countless lives and left our community stronger and more inspired.'
Coleman is survived by his daughter Jenna Coleman, son-in-law Aaron Fitzgerald, grandson Ellington James Fitzgerald, son William Sony Coleman IV, daughter-in-law Comella Sims, granddaughter Anaya Rose Coleman, his former wife Paula M. Coleman, niece Pamela Scott, nephew Tony and his wife Rasheida Scott, brothers Darren and Ronald Coleman and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, his obituary reads.
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Read the original article on MassLive.
