Charles W. Williams

Charles Williams was born July 31, 1931 in Washington D.C., the second of three sons. After graduating from Cardozo High School, he was awarded a football scholarship to Kentucky State University (KSU) where he “lettered” his Freshman year. Upon graduating from KSU, Charles obtained a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education.

Relocating to Staten Island, NY, Charles furthered his education by attending Colombia University and earning a Master of Science degree in Physical Education and Recreation.

His teaching career began at I.S. 52 (Egbert), and later at I.S. 7. After several years at the intermediate level, Charles was appointed Health and Physical Education teacher at Curtis High School. He was also in charge of the Black Studies classes where he mentored countless youth. In addition to teaching, Charles advanced as Head Varsity Football Coach of Curtis High School, becoming the first and ONLY Black High School head coach ever on Staten Island. He retired from Curtis High School after 35 years of teaching.

Charles met his wife, Thomasina (deceased), while they were both teachers at Willowbrook State School; they married in 1963 and celebrated 54 years of marriage together.

Charles was also instrumental in bringing funds into the community via grants from C.E.T.A. and N.Y.S. As President of Heritage House, Inc., these funds allowed him and its members to hire ten local workers to assist in the renovation of the old borough “Village” Hall in New Brighton. An outpour of support from Curtis High School students and volunteers made Village Hall established as a community cultural center on Staten Island.

Organization memberships include: Staten Island Branch N.A.A.C.P., The Harriet Tubman Humanitarian Achievement Awards, The Purple Hat Society, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, United Federation of Teachers, and the U.S. Selective Service, Local Branch.

Awards include: Rising Stars of Staten Island, NY, Staten Island N.A.A.C.P., Black Educators, Harriet Tubman Humanitarian Achievement Awards, Jubilee (Albany, NY), S.I. Family Day Parade Grand Marshal, and Brothers Care, Inc. (Staten Island, NY).

Charles is survived by his daughter, Donna; a son, Ray; four grandchildren, Leslie, Tenaja, Adrian, and Malik; and one great-granddaughter, Olivia.

Another daughter, Gloria, died in 1992 as well as another son, Jay, in 2018.

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