Jay Riche Coleman, affectionately known as Beau, died on June 18 at his Florida home after a long battle with cancer. He was 77.

He was born in Boston on September 17, 1944, the only son of J. Riche and Estelle Coleman. He had lifelong ties to the Vineyard where he had summered as a child with his grandparents, Ralf and Luella Coleman, and his sisters at Coleman Corners.

He moved permanently to the Island in the mid-1960s and spent most of his life building, painting and restoring homes.

He was known for bringing family and friends together with food, love, music and humor. He was everyone’s favorite uncle. He had a voice and presence that caught your attention, whether with his Hawaiian shirt, ponytail, or his bold voice followed by a funny comment and wisecracks. He loved fishing and crabbing, and always had a boat in the yard as a project that never made it into the water.

He had friendships that spanned decades — from Boston to the Vineyard. He will be forever remembered for his fried chicken and waffles, crab boils, and pizzas, all made to perfection while singing and dancing in the kitchen.

Beau is survived by his wife Dorothy; daughter Blythe; grandson Dennis; granddaughter Milan; son David and grandsons David Jr., Luke and Jasper; sisters Jocelyn Coleman Walton and her husband Duncan, Marcia Coleman Joyner and her husband Hewitt, and Gretchen Coleman-Thomas; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his sister Stephanie Coleman Butler.

A celebration of his life will be held on Sept. 2 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Portuguese American Club, 137 Vineyard avenue in Oak Bluffs.