Dr. Frederick “Fred” G. Coisman, age 87, of Lexington, Ohio, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, November 29, 2025.
Fred was born on October 13, 1938, in Rochester, New York, to Gilbert and Emogene (Stear) Coisman. He married the love of his life, Doris June Tidwell, on June 19, 1960, in Tigard, Oregon, and together they shared 65 years of marriage marked by faith, service, and devotion to family and ministry.
Fred was deeply proud of earning his PhD in Psychology and devoted more than 35 years to Roberts Wesleyan University in Rochester, New York, where he was a Professor Emeritus and longtime leader of the Psychology Department. He guided the department’s growth, led the development of its first graduate programs, and mentored countless students—many of whom went on to earn master’s and doctoral degrees. Despite the demands of serving as Department Chair, Fred was always generous with his time, offering wisdom, encouragement, and compassionate counsel. Colleagues and students alike saw his life as a living reflection of Philippians 2:3–7, marked by humility, selflessness, and a servant’s heart.
A man of deep and abiding faith, Fred’s passion for ministry extended far beyond the classroom. Ordained under the Evangelical Church Alliance on May 22, 1983, he served as Rev. Dr. Fred Coisman and faithfully ministered as a lay leader, interim pastor, and Pastor at Large from 1976 to 2005 at The Second Reformed Church of Marion. From 2007 to 2018, he participated in numerous mission trips to Mexico, where he helped build four churches and joyfully served the Latino community. Though intellectually gifted, Fred was equally skilled with his hands and delighted in practical service. After moving to Lexington to be closer to family, Fred and Doris continued to serve faithfully at the Ontario Free Methodist congregation and were involved in helping plant a Hispanic church. Until his full retirement from part-time work with New York State, Fred continued monthly visits to Second Reformed Church until March 2009.
Fred loved gathering people together—especially around food—and was always ready for a fiesta. He believed deeply in the power of relationships, had a strong moral compass, and lived with an unwavering commitment to doing what was right.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Doris Coisman; his sons, CDR Robert (Polly) Coisman, LTC James (Natalie) Coisman, DVM, and Karl DePoint; his grandchildren, Carrie (Sam) Lawless, Matt (Jasmine) Coisman, Olivia Coisman, Kira Coisman, Adyson Coisman, and Sawyer Coisman; and his great-grandchildren, Oakleigh Coisman, Danny Coisman, and Cosette Lawless. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Marvin, Marilyn, and Donald Coisman.
The Coisman family will receive guests on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., with a Celebration of Life service beginning at 6:00 p.m., all at Snyder Funeral Homes, Lexington Avenue Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Roberts Wesleyan University Academic Chair – Dr. Frederick Coisman, 2301 Westside Drive, Rochester, New York 14624.
Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to serve Fred’s family and encourage you to share a fond memory or message of condolence on his obituary page at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes, Lexington Avenue Chapel
Website: www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com