Mr Coleman (aged 77), husband of Norton South ward councillor Eileen Johnson, died in hospital on Saturday night following an illness.
A former school teacher and keen runner and bird watcher, Mr Coleman was elected to represent the Portrack and Tilery ward in 1991 alongside former councillor Kath Sainsbury. He later served the Stockton Town Centre ward.
He was Deputy Leader of the Council from 2001 to 2007 and was the Council’s Cabinet Member for Access and Communities before retiring in May.
The Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees, Councillor Ian Dalgarno, said: “I am saddened to hear of David’s death.
“He cared deeply about public service and will be a huge loss to his friends, family and colleagues both in the council and in the community.”
Mr Coleman’s funeral service will be held on Friday, August 28 at 2.30pm at Stockton Parish Church on Stockton High Street, prior to cremation at Teesside Crematorium. Friends and colleagues are asked to meet at the Church.
Family flowers only but donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Parkinson’s Research UK or Water Aid.