Kevin K. Coleman was born in Woonsocket to Louis and Mary (McDonnell) Coleman. Mr. Coleman devoted his career to serving the needs of Rhode Islanders. He had a long political career and was best known for being elected as Mayor of the City of Woonsocket for six terms between January 1953 and April 1963.

Coleman’s political career began when he was elected to the Woonsocket Common Council. He later joined the Woonsocket Board of Aldermen. Coleman became the Chairman of the Democratic State Committee and was a candidate for Governor in 1962. He was also appointed Director of Administration, for former Governors Frank Licht and Philip Noel, Personnel Administrator for Governor Dennis Roberts and Chairman of Racing and Athletics. He also worked tirelessly for Rhode Islanders during his lengthy career as in as a Real Estate Agent for J.F. Sarrasin, Inc. Coleman was also a philanthropist, serving on the boards of many Rhode Island institutions, such as: Fogarty Hospital (now Rehabilitation Hospital of RI); of the Greater Woonsocket Chamber of Commerce; John E. Fogarty Foundation; Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council; Woonsocket Hospital, (Landmark Medical Center); Sacred Heart Church; Woonsocket Housing Authority; Woonsocket Redevelopment,. He was also on the advisory board for the former Old Stone Bank and Industrial National Bank, the President’s Advisory Council for Providence College and the Woonsocket Industrial Development Corporation. A former parochial school operated by Sacred Heart Parish in Woonsocket was named for Coleman.