Charles Hitschler Hoeflich, 97, chairman emeritus of Univest Corporation, died peacefully on Monday, November 28, 2011 at his 18th century "Elderberry Farm" residence in Bedminster, Pa.

He was born in Philadelphia to the late Llewellyn and Mary Ann (Osterheldt) Hoeflich.

Charles, or better known to his friends and fellow community leaders as Charlie, built a legacy and earned deep respect for devoting his life to giving back to his community. His passion for helping others led to a successful 70-year career in community banking, which provided many opportunities for him to share his expertise and life experiences with business professionals, fellow bankers and local nonprofits. Across the financial services industry, Charlie was one of the most admired persons for his years of dedication and incredible insight in the business.

Charlie was a vice president of Philadelphia National Bank from 1951-1962. He joined Souderton-based Union National Bank and Trust Co. in 1962, where he served in various positions from president of the bank to chairman of Univest Corporation and most recently as chairman emeritus, a title he retained after retiring from the board of directors this past May. Univest, sharing many of the same values including spirituality and community, was more than a company and career for Charlie. The people, customers and employees became Charlie's family.

While humble about his contributions to the community, Charlie was deeply involved as a founding director of Penn Foundation, the Human Rights Foundation and the Intercollegiate Studies Institute (ISI), where he was still serving as a member of the board of directors, secretary and treasurer. Charlie also served as a board member of The Lamb Foundation; past chairman of the Bedminster Zoning Board; director emeritus for the Adult Total Care Services; past trustee of Oklahoma Christian University; past president of the Bank Marketing Association; member of the Republican Presidential Task Force; and lifetime member of the Union League Club in Philadelphia and the Heritage Foundation.

He served in the Air Force during WWII and received the Presidential citation USAAF in 1946. Charlie also received the Citizen of the Year award from the Federal Bar Association in 1960 and the Lifetime Achievement award from ISI in 2000.

Charlie was an avid reader. He often read three books at a time of various genres and read the New York Times daily. He enjoyed collecting Americana antiques and art, paintings and horticulture.

Charlie was a former member of the Blooming Glen Mennonite Church and a current member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.

Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at 2:00 P.M. at St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, 3688 Ridge Road, Perkasie.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Fatima Retreat House, Attn: Joan Black, P.O. 116, Bedminster, PA 18910.

Arrangements by: Anders Detweiler Funeral Home & Crematory, 130 East Broad Street, Souderton. To send online condolences to the family, visit www.andersfh.com.