Frederick Van Fleteren

Frederick (Fred) Van Fleteren, 80, of Jenkintown, PA passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 2, 2022, the Feast of the Presentation. Fred was born in St. Clair Shores, MI on July 14, 1941, son of the late Marion (Minch) and Frederick Van Fleteren. Fred received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Villanova University. He received his PhD from the National University of Ireland in Dublin in 1971. While receiving his PhD in Ancient Philosophy, he studied under John J. O’Meara who was then considered the greatest Augustine scholar in the English-speaking world. Fred was a former Augustinian friar and an associate professor at Villanova University. He taught at his alma mater from 1972 to 1978. He spent thirty years as a Professor of Philosophy at LaSalle University. In March 2014, he was recognized with the faculty distinguished award. He was internationally respected for scholarship in Augustine of Hippo. He is the author and editor of numerous works on Saint Augustine of Hippo and Saint Anselm of Canterbury. Fred is the general editor of and a contributor of several book chapters to the series Collectanea Augustiniana, including Augustine in Iconography: History and Legend; Augustine: Biblical Exegete; Augustine: Mystic and Mystagogue. He edited three volumes of Anselm Studies. He edited a volume entitled Columbus and the New World, as well as Cambria County Catholicity: The Patrimony of Prince Demetrius Gallitzin. For many years Fred served as associate editor of Augustinian Studies, and he is the co-editor of the critically acclaimed Augustine through the Ages: An Encyclopedia. He is the author of the ethics text, Fundamental Principles of a Natural Law Ethic. He contributed countless articles to philosophical and theological journals in several languages and served as publisher and journal reviewer on Augustine of Hippo and Anselm of Canterbury. He was a much sought-after speaker internationally and he spoke at several universities and conferences in North America, Europe, and Asia. He was a Life Member of Clare Hall Cambridge and twice was a visiting fellow at Instituto Trentino di Cultura. Before beginning his professorship at LaSalle University, Fred worked as an assistant administrator at Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Crozer, Pennsylvania, as well as serving as the executive director of hospice at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Bingham, New York. He also served as a director of a hospice in Quakertown, Pennsylvania from 1989 to 1995. Fred’s interests included travelling, bridge and college basketball, particularly Villanova Men’s Basketball of which he was a season ticket holder for many years. Fred travelled the world for both work and pleasure. He spent many summers in Vienna, Austria and St. Andrews, Scotland at the University of St. Andrews. He achieved the rank of Gold Life Master from the American Contract Bridge League in November 2009. He participated in many national and international bridge tournaments. At least from 1987, Fred attended Villanova men’s basketball home games until 2015. He was a true fan who only spoke positive about the program. Relatives, friends and members of LaSalle University Faculty are invited to his viewing on Wednesday February 9, 2022 from 9:30-10:20 AM and to his Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM, both at St. Thomas of Villanova Main Church on the Campus of Villanova University. Masks are required. His interment will be held at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, remembrances in Fred’s name may be made to Villanova University c/o The Augustinian Studies Institute: theannualfund@villanova.edu or call 610-519-7849 Services entrusted to Joseph McGoldrick Funeral Home, Jenkintown, PA. Condolences can be made at www.mcgoldrickfh.com