Middletown reeling after death of CT Rep. Quentin Williams, fierce advocate of education, equity: 'He exuded joy'

Jan. 6—MIDDLETOWN — People across the city and state were reeling Thursday after learning of the death Wednesday night of lifelong resident and fierce advocate for children's education state Rep. Quentin Williams, D-Middletown.

The 39-year-old lawmaker, who had strong roots in town, was a well-known figure at public events who was known for his buoyant personality. He died Wednesday night following a two-car, wrong-way crash on Route 9 in Cromwell on his way home from Gov. Ned Lamont's inaugural ball.

Statements poured in from lawmakers whose sentiments echoed that of the community.

Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce Central Business Bureau Chairwoman Pamela Steele made the announcement at the end of Thursday morning's meeting, saying she had just learned the news.

"Please keep his mother, Queen, especially, and his wife, Carissa, in prayer and thoughts," Steele said, her voice wavering. Williams was on the Downtown Business District board of directors, Steele added. "He was a fixture downtown."

Gov. Ned Lamont directed the flag of the state of Connecticut to be lowered to half-staff in honor of Williams.

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Mayor Ben Florsheim said Williams was "larger than life."

Larry McHugh, past president of the chamber, said Thursday he was "at a loss for words."

He called Williams' death a "huge loss" for both the city and state. "He had an infectious, positive outlook on everything, which made a huge difference in a lot of people's lives," McHugh said. "I cared for him because he cared for everybody else," he added.

"His heart was with everyone in Middletown," McHugh said.

Williams was the director of advocacy and policy for Excellence Community Schools, a charter school program in Stamford.

Middletown Public Schools Communications Director Jessie Lavorgna said the education community is "grieving the startling and tragic death. ... Learning of his death has left many of us speechless. Rep. Williams, or 'Q,' as many knew him, had a particular buoyancy about him.

"Seldom without a smile, he was genuinely upbeat, personable and exceptionally funny," she said of Williams, a 2001 graduate of Middletown High School.

"This is an unfathomable loss for our entire community and state. Rep. Williams served Middletown, especially our youth, with a sense of urgency," Superintendent of Schools Alberto Vázquez Matos said.

"He knew, just as many of us do, that it is our youth who need love, resources, and time poured into them in order for us to build the future that we all dream of. Rep. Williams will forever be missed," the schools chief added.

Board of Education Chairwoman Deborah Cain said she was "absolutely stunned by the loss of a dear colleague and friend. ... He was a true public servant and devotee of his community. His zeal and advocacy for the residents of Middletown, and those throughout the state, was exceptional.

"To many, he was a brother and a mentor, always encouraging others to push through adversity. Q, your smile and presence will be missed," Cain added, passing along her condolences to the Williams family. "Rest well, my friend," she said.

"He was an energetic and passionate man who made a positive impact in all that he did," Chamber President Johanna Bond said.

DBD Chairwoman Jennifer Alexander called Williams both a friend and colleague. He was downtown manager of the organization from 2012-14 "and did much to modernize our office and expand our social media profile then just beginning."

She said Williams founded the Main Street Working Group in the state legislature, which united lawmakers from communities with traditional downtowns to advocate for legislation and funding support. The group "raised the profile of our downtown neighborhoods as a resource to treasure," Alexander said.

In May, he was recognized by the Connecticut Main Street for that work.

Williams also was a longtime member of the Oddfellows Playhouse board of directors. Executive Artistic Director Dic Wheeler said in an email to supporters that Williams was a "champion" of children in the greater Middletown area and an "impactful" supporter of the youth organizations. He characterized Williams a man of "great integrity, humor, intelligence and compassion."

He held a bachelor's degree from Bryant University, a master's degree in public administration from Villanova University, and a Diversity Equity and Inclusion certificate from Cornell University.

Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, who, like Williams, is a city native and product of the school system, said Williams made friends with elected officials from all over the country. "His loss is being felt beyond the borders of our state," she added.

The lawmaker was raised by a single mother, she explained, and "ardently believed in uplifting women," which led to his surname change from Phipps to Williams, honoring his mother's name in February.

"His mom worked hard and sacrificed, and raised him into an incredible man," whom she imagined could be mayor one day or even run for higher office. "He did work with incredible joy and loved what he did. He exuded joy," the lieutenant governor said.

Acting Director of Economic and Community Development Bobbye Knoll Peterson said the lawmaker was a "cheerleader" for the city. "So many of us that work for our community are here because of Q. This is a loss that we mourn collectively. Q was a shining example of service, dedication to community, and chosen family. He will be deeply missed by so many."

Steele told chamber members about the fleeting nature of life. "This is a reminder of how quickly things can change in our lives. This is why we continue to work together, help each other, encourage each other, and try to be kind to each other because we don't know what somebody else is going through."

She then said a prayer, and asked for a moment of silence.

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