Longtime City Councilor E. Henry Twiggs passes away at the age of 80

Nov. 25, 2019 | Danielle Eaton
daniellee@thereminder.com

SPRINGFIELD – Longtime Springfield City Councilor and civil rights activist, E. Henry Twiggs, passed away on Nov. 21 at the age of 80.

City Councilor At Large, Jesse Lederman, called Twiggs “a warrior for justice for all people, a public servant of the best kind, and a true friend and mentor” and described the day as “a sad day in the City of Springfield.”

He recalled meeting Twiggs when he first began his journey in Springfield’s political scape, remembering how the councilor was one of the first to encourage him to vye for a position on the council. Lederman said, “From the day we met, he took me under his wing, and taught me the true meaning of public service. Indeed, he was the first individual to suggest to me that I could run for and win elected office.”

City Council President Justin Hurst released the following statement: “The Springfield City Council is deeply saddened by the recent passing of E. Henry Twiggs. His leadership and ability to guide the City Council on difficult issues that matter most to the residents in the City of Springfield will be extremely missed. He took great pride in serving his community and his legacy will live on through the many lives he has touched. Our condolences go out to his beautiful wife Karen and the rest of his family.”

Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno described Twiggs as a “gentleman” and said the councilor was “always the dapper clad, especially with his trademark hats.”

He continued, recognizing Twiggs civil rights activism and that he was passionate about Springfield. “Henry was a Civil Rights Activist and a Statesman who always had the heart of his/our community in his soul,” Sarno said. “He fought his health challenges with strength and pride. May God rest his soul.”

Congressman Richard E. Neal also issued a statement in which he called Twiggs his lifelong friend and “a man of dignity, compassion and conviction.” Neal recalled Twiggs civil rights activism days, remarking upon the times he had marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“I am deeply saddened to learn my lifelong friend Henry Twiggs has passed away at age 80. Throughout his remarkable life, Henry stood up against the forces of injustice and inequality, and helped make our community and nation a better place in the process,” he said. “An early supporter of the civil rights movement in the 1960s, he marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on numerous occasions to register voters and protest segregation.”

Neal, along with Sarno and Lederman, emphasized Twiggs’ passion for his community, the City of Springfield. “Here in Springfield, Henry was a legendary figure and committed public servant who lifted the lives of others. I was honored to join him last June in the Bay and Upper Hill neighborhoods at the dedication of more than 100 affordable housing units named in his honor. It was a fitting tribute to a man who always put others first.”

Lederman added, “He loved politics and his community, and he channeled that passion into a lifetime of service. His body of work and his dedication serve as an inspiration and a legacy that will be remembered by many for generations.”

Sarno, Neal, Hurst and Lederman all expressed their sadness upon hearing of Twiggs’ passing and sent condolences to the late councilor’s family.

Twiggs served on the Springfield City Council representing Ward 4 for many years, and announced earlier this year he had decided to not seek reelection. His seat will be filled by Malo L. Brown who won a seat on the council during the November election.

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