Education Trailblazer Charles Twyman Dies

Dr. Charles R. Twyman of New Haven, born in New Haven, June 28, 1922 to the late Charles L. and Louise (Allen) Twyman passed away, April 25, 2013.

Dr. Twyman was a veteran of WWII, spent 34 years as a professional educator, served on many boards, including The Community Foundation and The Dixwell Community Council. He was a member of The Ashanti Club of Connecticut.

The 1940 Hillhouse grad was New Haven’s first black principal when he took the helm of Abraham Lincoln School in 1963.

He advanced to an administrative post in the school system. Reggie Mayo, a future superintendent, reported to Twyman when Mayo became principal of Jackie Robinson School. They became longtime friends.

“Charlie was the kind of guy who in my opinion was way ahead of his time in terms of innovation and creativity in education,” Mayo said Monday. ​“He was the consummate educator. Charlie was a big stickler on parent engagement. He always felt we should integrate the arts and academics.

“Charlie was a trailblazer in becoming the first African American principal of a school in New Haven He gave me good advice as a superintendent and as a friend. He will be greatly missed in this community.”

Twyman (pictured in 2008) leaves to cherish him memory; his loving wife, Dr. Freda Kay Twyman of New Haven; sister, Alyce T. Rawlins of Hamden and a host of relatives and friends. A celebration of his life will take place Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at 11:00 AM at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 111 Whalley Ave., New Haven, CT with calling hours, Wednesday at the church from 9 – 10:45 AM. Interment with Military Honors will take place in Beaverdale Memorial Park, New Haven. Services by Howard K. Hill Funeral Services, 1287 Chapel St. New Haven, CT 06511. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dr. Twyman’s honor can be made to The Edna Baker Carnegie Scholarship Fund at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. To leave a message of comfort to the Twyman family, please visit, www.hkhfuneralservices.com.