Coleman Andrew Gentry Jr., passed peacefully on June 17, 2026, at the age of 91. He was born September 23, 1934, in San Diego, California. His life was a testament to the power of curiosity and the unending thrill of exploration.

As a dedicated educator, Coleman poured his passion for astronomy, earth science, our national parks and forests, natural wonders, and wild spaces into the lives of countless students within Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland. His commitment to nurturing young minds extended beyond the classroom through organized summer programs. Project GO (Geology, Outdoors) where he, alongside his former wife Eugene, led transformative adventures for students entering high school years. Those excursions ranged from beach studies, and bicycle trekking the Eastern Maryland shore to backpacking, rock climbing, spelunking, river canoeing the Shanandoah Valley, Washington National Forest. Those adventures instilled a love for nature and learning in all who participated. His own children were often included, creating lasting family memories as well.

Coleman also served his country with distinction, first in the Army Signal Corps and later as a Marine in a reserve unit. His time in service was marked by steadfast dedication and integrity, values he carried forward into every facet of his life. Before his military and academic accomplishments, Coleman was an Eagle and Explorer Scout, a testament to his lifelong commitment to the values of service, leadership, and outdoor adventure. His passion for natural environments and their solitude kept him grounded where he continued to foster his love for our world’s wonders.

Throughout his life, Coleman had a remarkable ability to connect with people. His charm and wit were his trademarks, enabling him to engage in conversations that revealed the best of the lives around him. He delighted in learning about the interests, histories, and dreams of others, often including those discoveries into the fabric of his own life’s journey. Coleman had a colorful family / marital history, sharing chapters of his life with former wives and his children when it suited him. Each relationship added its own unique dimension to his story (and theirs), reflecting a life lived well with ever-evolving companionship and legacy.

Coleman will be remembered not only for his contributions as an educator and his service as a soldier but for the warmth, humor, and genuine interest he showed to everyone he met. His spirit will continue to inspire those who knew him, as the stories of his adventures are recounted and cherished for generations to come. He was also a religious scholar studying many Chrisian denominations and finally Judaism, knitting faith into every corner of his life and happy to share his opinions and knowledge freely.

“The heavens declare the almighty of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.” Psalm 19 (his favorite). God’s glory is all around us waiting to be discovered, cherished, and shared.

A celebration of Coleman’s life will be held at a later date, where family will gather to honor a life well-lived, sharing stories and memories that capture the essence of a truly remarkable man. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to organizations that support outdoor, public television, education, and youth development, ensuring that Coleman’s legacy of exploration, learning, and teaching continues to thrive.

Honor Coleman, visit and support organizations like the former Camp Catawba, a summer camp for boys near the town of Blowing Rock in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. This camp was important to him in his early days and he continued to support the camp by donations for many years until it closed.

Rest in peace, dear Coleman. You will forever remain in our hearts.