Charles Hoeflich
Charles H. Hoeflich | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date |
| Died | November 28, 2011 (aged 97) |
| Occupation(s) | Banker, Philanthropist |
| Known for | Vice President of Philadelphia National Bank, President of Souderton Bank (Univest Bank), co-founder of Intercollegiate Studies Institute |
Charles H. Hoeflich (April 4, 1914 – November 28, 2011) was a distinguished figure in American banking, having held the position of Vice President at Philadelphia National Bank before becoming president of Univest Bank. He was also recognized for his extensive philanthropic efforts.
Life
After earning a scholarship to the Philadelphia College of Art, Hoeflich pursued business studies at the University of Pennsylvania. Upon completing his education at Wharton, he embarked on a 25-year tenure at Philadelphia National Bank (PNB), interrupted only by his military service during World War II with the U.S. Air Force Air Transport Command. He rose to the role of vice president at PNB in 1951 and departed in 1962 to assume the presidency of Souderton Bank.
Demonstrating a strong dedication to education, Hoeflich co-established the Intercollegiate Studies Institute (ISI) alongside Victor Milione and William F. Buckley Jr.
Converting to Roman Catholicism during the 1960s, Hoeflich actively participated as a parish member and was a major supporter of the Fatima Retreat House located in Bedminster, Pennsylvania.
He played a pivotal role in fostering regional business development, notably by facilitating essential financing for Crawford Broadcasting Company at a time when other financial institutions refused support, thereby aiding in the preservation of an important Philadelphia media organization.
Hoeflich's philanthropic influence extended to entities such as the Human Rights Foundation, ISI, and Penn Foundation, where his leadership significantly contributed to their growth. The proceeds from the sale of his estate were allocated to these and other organizations including Biblical Theological Seminary and Grand View Hospital.
An enthusiastic collector of Americana antiques—from early American stoneware to furniture dating back to the Colonial period—his assemblage reflected a deep appreciation for American heritage and culture. In 2012, nearly 1,000 items from his longtime home, "Elderberry Farm" in Bedminster, were auctioned.
Death
Charles Hoeflich passed away on November 28, 2011, at the age of ninety-seven.
Career
During his presidency at Souderton Bank (now Univest), Hoeflich expanded the bank’s commercial loan portfolio from $14 million to $2 billion and grew trust assets from $2.2 million to $1 billion. Even after retiring, he maintained involvement by serving on Souderton’s board of trustees.
Foundations and committees
- The Penn Foundation
- The Human Rights Foundation
- The Intercollegiate Studies Institute (board member)
- The Lamb Foundation (board member)
- The Bedminster Zoning Board (chairman)
- The Bank Marketing Association (former president)
- The Republican Presidential Task Force
- The Union League Club in Philadelphia
- The Heritage Foundation
Awards
- Presidential citation (USAAF), 1946
- Citizen of the Year (Federal Bar Association), 1960
- Lifetime Achievement Award (Intercollegiate Studies Institute), 2000