Douglas Alan “Doug” Coleman, 59, of Groton, CT., passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on February 22, 2022, after a year long battle with pancreatic cancer. Doug was born in New London, CT, May 26, 1962, to Charles Henry Coleman and Shirley Elizabeth (Singer) Coleman.
Doug attended Fitch Senior High with the graduating class of 1980, receiving his GED several years later. He then attended CPI in New London. Doug worked briefly for Electric Boat, Burns Security Services at Millstone and Sears but music was his first love. He was a self-taught musician who learned to play by ear. Doug would listen to songs, dissecting each part, and practice until he could play them to perfection. He became a sought after lead guitarist and back up singer and performed in local venues mainly throughout the late 70’s and 80’s with bands Arcturis, Abyss, and Fallen Angel, among others. Doug liked a wide range of music but especially heavy metal including the music of Rush, Black Sabbath, George Lynch, Led Zeppelin and Iron Maiden. His family will cherish his privately recorded cover of the Eagles “Hotel California”, in which he played all of the instruments and performed lead and backup vocals.
Growing up, Doug would spend countless hours alone or with his family and friends at “The Falls” in the woods behind his house. He enjoyed camping there.
Throughout his life, Doug especially loved traveling to Florida and spending time at the beach. “His” parking space at Blind Pass State Park near Englewood FL was always waiting for him. He also enjoyed keeping up the flower and vegetable gardens at the house.
Doug was gifted at many things and would take things apart to “fix” them but never get around to putting them back together. The basement is littered with the remains of half-fixed lawn mowers, rusted engine and computer parts and of course tools strewn about the floor.
Doug had a singular sense of humor. His observations on life were uproariously funny. He embraced his family nickname Rx as a play on his name (Doug/”Drug”). He and brother-in-law, Dave, worked on a home radio show imitating various disc jockeys, which they would tape for entertainment and send to brother, Chuck, in Florida while Chuck was stationed there in the Air Force.
He loved his family dearly. He taught his nephew how to play guitar and was always willing to help or give advice.
Besides his parents, he is survived by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Debbie and Dave Miner, and Sue and Mick Franczek, all of Groton; his former sister-in-law, Elsa Coleman, of Uncasville; his uncle Cecil and Aunt Rosie Coleman of Port Charlotte, Fla; nephews, Tom Clark, David Miner and Jason Miner; and niece Michelle Woodhall; as well as four grandnieces; a grandnephew, several cousins and his cat. He was predeceased last April by his brother, Charles Coleman, Jr.
Arrangements are being handled by Abbey Funeral & Cremation Service, Rocky Hill, CT. All services will be private for the family. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
He is now playing lead guitar for a more universal venue. Play on, Doug!

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