The Pan American Association of Philadelphia mourns the passing of its Board Member Emeritus, Charles F. Shreiner.

He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and graduated from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.  He was employed by the Commerce Department in Miami and Central America where he learned Spanish and developed an affinity for the Latin American culture.   He returned to Philadelphia to join the faculty of his Alma Mater, eventually becoming the first Director of the Latin American Studies program.  He became a member of the Pan American Association in the 1960s and was actively involved in its activities until the early 2000s.   He was a true Panamericanista and served two terms as President of the Association.   Charley’s passion was Education and for decades he marshalled the efforts of the Pan American Association in that area.  He was a kind and thoughtful person who always took advantage of the opportunity to change the world for the better.