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Charles Dwyer Obituary
Charles, an artist, graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design in 1970. He was awarded many scholarships which enabled him to study painting at RISD, attend the RISD Senior Year European Honors Program in Rome, Italy, study at the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture, and at Boston University where he received a Master degree in Painting. As an Arts Educator, Charles taught at Rhode Island School of Design, the University of Michigan, Bridgewater State College, Wesleyan University and Rhode Island College.
Charles received numerous awards for painting during his career including grants from the RI State Council on the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, an Arthur Rackham Grant from the University of Michigan and the Prix de Rome in Painting from the American Academy in Rome. He traveled throughout Europe and the United States and resided in Rome, Italy for two years. His work has been widely exhibited in galleries and museums and is in many private collections.
Charles could often be found riding his bike, playing tennis, or hiking and if you stopped to speak with him, he was an avid conversationalist with the "gift of gab."
A wake will be held at the O'Neill-Hayes Funeral Home, 465 Spring Street, Newport on Saturday, January 24, 2015, at 465 Spring Street, Newport, from 3-6 p.m.
Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association - RI Chapter, 245 Waterman Street, Suite 306, Providence, RI 02906.
For more information or online condolences, please visit www.oneillhayes.com
This obituary was originally published in The Newport Daily News (Newport, RI).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
robert mangino
May 17, 2025
i was with brother charles as i used to call him as a member of that RISD European Honors Program 1969/1970. Both he and Kathleen were true friends back then. I just want their family to know i still remember those great days. To all of their family be well and happy
.
bob mangino ..architect..guilford, connecticut
Laurie Lewczyk
January 16, 2025
The years have gone by but the beautiful memories of Charlie have remained. I was so much in awe of his intellect and artistic abilities. I was so proud to call him brother in law and fondly recall the times we had together at family gatherings. He passed away too soon which was tragic and left many empty spaces and wistful thoughts of what could have been miss you Charlie
Laurie
Tiffany White
August 27, 2017
Charles had a light that shined bright from within. He was so passionate about art that you couldn't help but to be excited with him - and he loved Edward Hopper! He always had a warm smile (or a grin) and was happy, welcoming, present and encouraging.
Charles was my teacher at RISD pre-college in 1988. He taught me to think outside of the box and explore new ways of thinking about painting. He wrote one of my letters of recommendation when I applied for RISD and we stayed in touch.
The summer after my junior year at RISD, I was Charles' T.A. at pre-college. We had a lot of fun in class - it was always a gift to be around his contagious enthusiasm.
I will always remember the things he taught me, that opened new doors and ultimately helped shape who I am as an artist.
His light will always burn bright through all of the people's lives he inspired and touched.
My heart felt sympathy to Charles' wife, children and family.
Arnold Cusmariu
July 26, 2016
I had the pleasure of knowing Charlie when I lived in Newport in the late seventies. We played a lot of tennis together and talked about art. I commissioned him to do a large pencil drawing of my father from a photo, which is still in my family.
Little did I know then that I would become an artist myself -- sculpture -- and have often wandered what he would have made of my work.
Condolences to his family. Very sorry for your loss.
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Judy Lanfredi
July 2, 2015
Charles was my life drawing teacher at RISD's pre-college program in the summer of 1981. He was such a wonderfully dynamic person, so full of life and passionate about art & I absolutely loved being in his class. I learned so much from him. He was truly one of those teachers that stayed with me through my years at RISD, when I went to Rome with EHP and to this day. I was extremely saddened to hear of his passing. I wish his wife & family comfort during this most difficult time. His legacy lives on through the many students with whom he shared his artistic gift. Rest in Peace, Charles. May your memory be eternal.
Pat Thornton
June 10, 2015
I am so saddened and shocked to learn that Charles died....so young. I worked with him at RISD when he taught in the precollege program. He often spoke of his family and yes, he had the gift of gab...always fun to talk with him. He was full of energy and curiosity and humor. Condolences to his loved ones and friends.
Rosemary Clair Buchmann
May 22, 2015
Charles' encouragement to me at U of M back in the 80s made me feel like I belonged in Art School. As an art teacher with 25 years experience now, I think fondly on so much of his wisdom. I wished we could have kept in touch all these years. He had so many more lessons on life to share. He never lost sight of the ironic humor life deals us. I am sure he is painting "people trapped in lawn chairs" wherever he may be now. Miss you Dwyer. Miss you loads.
V S
January 31, 2015
Dwyer family, You have my deepest sympathy.May the God of loving comfort and eternal hope be with the family at this sad and difficult time. (Psalm 119:76)
Ellen Jones
January 27, 2015
Will miss our chats at King Park
Jim L'Heureux
January 25, 2015
Charles - you had a unique perspective on the world and I always thought that was really cool. I enjoyed our many conversations. I valued you as a friend and colleague - Charles you are missed. Rest in Peace my friend.
Kerry Geoghegan
January 25, 2015
Mr. Dwyer was my art teacher at Bishop Connolly HS, and he was so warm and wise. He encouraged me more than any other teacher I've ever had. Sincerest condolences to his family.
January 25, 2015
Kathleen, I loved getting to see Charles' art work a while ago and revisiting his wonderful personality and mind. I am glad you had each other for as long as you did and so very sorry for you that he could not stay longer. Clare Bratten (A high school era friend)
Debbie O'Reilly
January 25, 2015
I am so sorry to hear of Charles passing. I was in his class about 18 years ago, and I have never forgotten him. He was such an inspiration, and a wonderful teacher.
ray mey
January 24, 2015
I am sorry to have missed Charlie's wake and funeral. Besides being a close cousin he was a gifted and special human being who always had a smile and positive outlook on life. I will remember him fondly and with great respect.
Chris Condon
January 24, 2015
Charles was a great teacher and conversationalist. While at Bishop Connolly he introduced me to the world of art and under his direction I flourished and went onto RISD. I would run into him in providence and it always livened my day when I did. I wouldn't have gone down the road I did and become an artist if it were for Charles, and for that I am forever grateful!
John Long
January 23, 2015
He was a wonderful person and will be missed.
Amanda Nickerson Toste
January 23, 2015
Mr. Dwyer not only was my art instructor and tennis coach, but a mentor and friend. He pushed me to do what others had made me think would be impossible. We would meet Saturdays at 7am at the Pop Flack courts so that he could make me a stronger, faster, harder hitting tennis player in high school. I always enjoyed running into him on Thames Street, or Second Beach while he was out for a bike ride. He was never to busy to stop and chat about life, love and art. He will always hold a place in my heart as one of my greatest teachers, and one of the coolest cats I will ever know. Sleep well, Mr. Dwyer. I hope they are playing the soundtrack to Woodstock '69 for you in heaven.
Kim O'Brien
January 22, 2015
Mr. Dwyer will forever hold a place in my heart. At a time when all I could do (and still do) was pour my heart into art he was there to encourage me. He believed in me when I didn't. He taught me to see beauty in the simple things.. pears, chestnuts... a key or milk carton. He taught me to look at things with my eyes and to render them as only I could see them. My sketchbook has been put away for years, now I use metal as my medium and make jewelry, which I learned to do because he pushed me to go to college for art. Without his encouragement I wouldn't see as much beauty in the details of my life. Without him, I wouldn't have art. In memory of Mr. Dwyer I will pick up pencils and paper again and start looking at the ordinary through the eyes he trained me to see my life through.
My sincerest condolences to his family.
Christina Erwin
January 22, 2015
I knew him from Bishop Connolly and then was fortunate to run into him again at our bike shop. I always enjoyed seeing him roll in. He was a good soul who was lost too soon. My heart goes out to his family.
Dawn Fish
January 22, 2015
Charlie Dwyer was a positive influence on his students. He was encouraging and honest. I hope he is resting peacefully.
Laurie Lewczyk
January 22, 2015
Rest in Peace
Laurie Lewczyk
January 22, 2015
Charlie, you'll be missed, I was fortunate to know you and have you in my family. I will miss your observances on life and your commentaries. Even though you are gone, your paintings will endure through the centuries, You are forever in my heart.
Elise (Raymond) Ferrarese
January 22, 2015
Mr Dwyer was my high school art teacher at Bishop Connolly about 20 years ago. His art classroom was one of the only places I was encouraged to truly express myself without judgment in the halls of BCHS. It's really sad to see that he struggled with a debilitating illness, alzheimers, and died at a fairly young age. Its also amazing to see how accomplished and wordly he was, which is a testament to how humble he was. And I always loved his painting series of portly people at a beach and watering their lawns. Thanks Chuck D. You're fondly remembered.
Darcie Ouellette
January 22, 2015
I learned so much more than just art technique and art history from this man. He was an old soul with piercing blue eyes and he just seemed to know things about you that you didn't even realize yet. Thank you Mr. Dwyer for all that you shared with us; your talents, your extreme intelligence and your kindness. Rest peacefully.
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465 Spring St., Newport, RI 02840
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