Biography: McKinley “Kenny” Beasley Coleman was the eldest child born to the late Mack and late Roberta Arlene Coleman on July 4, 1959, in New York City. He was baptized at Shiloh Baptist Church of Christ.
McKinley received his primary education at Public School 5, Intermediate School 162 and graduated from Herbert H. Lehman High School, all located in Bronx, New York. He loved to read and was a magnificent cartoon artist. He was also a Martial Arts Black Belt in Karaté and a Master Fencer.
From 1978 through 1984, he served in the United States Navy where he was Chief Religious Petty Officer and a Navy Seal. He was extremely proud of the six years that he served his country.
McKinley continued a life of servitude in employment with Catholic Charities and non-profit organization treatment facilities for at-risk teens and adults in various counselor positions. He was most recently employed as a Reentry Specialist for The Osborne Association, and also volunteered on the Board of Directors for Reality House Programs. He was kind, caring and compassionate, and enjoyed helping others, often taking better care of them than himself.
After a brief illness, McKinley passed away on January 7, 2020. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mack & Roberta and two wives Patrice Ponder & Eileen Sullivan.
McKinley leaves to cherish his memory: His Fianceé, Yokasta Braggs & son Tyrone; Sister, Madelaine (Kirk) Nagle; Brothers, Damon (Heather) Caldwell & Todd Coleman; Stepmother, Gloria Caldwell; Nephews, Earl-Jajuan, Maliq, Tai, & Mekhi; Nieces, TaDonna, Ameera, Quiara, Najeé, Kyra, Dami & Skylar; grand-nephews, grand-nieces, aunts, cousins and a host of family and friends too numerous to name.
The family of McKinley “Kenny” Coleman is profoundly grateful for the abundance of outpouring of love shown to us during this time of bereavement. We thank you immensely and ask that you continue to keep us in your prayers. As you go, please carry with you McKinley’s loving legacy.
Loving submitted,
The Family