William Emmet Coleman Jr. September 8, 1942 – March 31, 2026
Known as Bill or Uncle Bill he was not only smart, funny and humble, he was also the sole person responsible for reviving the Forest Hills Gardens Foundation; known as the Forest Hills Gardens Taxpayers Association in the 1990’s. Over our 116-year history, probably no one has so critical to the mission we now serve. He served as President for nearly 20 years and as Chairman Emeritus from 2018 until his passing.
For several decades the FHG Taxpayers Association lacked a strong direction after NY tax information became more accessible to Forest Hills residents and their mission of assisting people with understanding their taxes become moot. After serving several years on the Forest Hills Gardens Corporation Board, including Chair of the FHGC History Committee, Bill made the decision to direct his energies towards educating Forest Hills Gardens residents on their own history and culture in a scholarly and informative way. He brought his significant intellect and wit to a series of educational lectures and publications and eventually led the FHG Foundation to launch its own website where that history could be made accessible to all.
With his wife of 58 years, Edivige Agnostinelli, the Colemans were considered to be among the very foremost experts on Giovanni Boccaccio; who is considered one of the 3 greatest Italian poets. One of Boccaccio’s quotes may sum up Bill’s approach to life and scholarship:
“You must read, you must persevere, you must sit up nights, you must inquire, and exert the utmost power of your mind. If one way does not lead to the desired meaning, take another; if obstacles arise, then still another; until, if your strength holds out, you will find that clear which at first looked dark.”
His exceptional scholarship showed through with all of the projects he took on; for his writing, his educational institutions, for this community and for his adopted Italian communities of Firenze, Pacentro and Abruzzo.
He was also a father, brother and grandfather who held multiple advanced degrees and titles from several institutions.
Bill passed away on March 31st, 2026 in Firenze, Italy. He is survived by his loving wife Edivige; his three children: son William, and twin daughters Elena and Daniela, along with Elena’s husband, Luca, and Daniela’s partner, Xabier; his cherished grandsons, Alessandro and Roberto, whom they affectionately called “Papi”; and his sisters, Gean and Patricia, along with loving extended family.
He has been and will be dearly missed.
