Paul E. Van Vleet, Sr., a Spanish instructor at VCU since 1985, died Thursday, January 26th at St. Mary's Hospital in Richmond, Virginia.

Mr. Van Vleet spent most of his life helping other people. He touched countless lives as a Jesuit priest and missionary in Central America, where he ran a Catholic prep school between 1957-1971.

"He wanted to help and educate the poorest and most disenfranchised" said his son, Peter Edward Van Vleet of Washington.

He taught Spanish and Latin at Powhatan High School from 1985-1995, and was a Spanish instructor at VCU from 1985-2005.

Mr. Van Vleet received a Bachelor's degree in Sacred Theology and a Licentiate in Philosophy from Saint Louis University.

He will be sorely missed in the School of World Studies and at VCU.

Richmond Times-Dispatch Obituaries, Paul Van Vleet, Sr.