John E. Charlton, 83, college professor

A teacher "through and through," his family said, John E. Charlton found that a lesson could be taught out of any situation.

When his eldest son, John, wrote letters home from the Vietnam War, Dr. Charlton "would send them back corrected," John Charlton recalled.

A professor emeritus of education at the College of New Jersey, Dr. Charlton was known for his leadership in and out of the lecture hall. In the 1970s, he led a series of strikes as faculty senate president to acquire better pay and health benefits.

"He was a very strong advocate of public education," said his son Terrence. "He would say, 'You think public education is expensive; try ignorance.' "

Charlton, 83, of Erdenheim, died Monday, Jan. 10, at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital after a fall.

During his tenure at the College of New Jersey, Dr. Charlton taught hundreds of future teachers while also coaching the men's soccer team for a few years.

After fully retiring in 1995, Dr. Charlton dedicated himself to traveling throughout Europe and doing his own research and reading, mostly on Greek philosophy. He and his wife also relocated to Sea Isle City until a few years ago.

His house consisted of "all books and almost no furniture," his son John said. "That's what he was all about: just reading and writing."

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Dr. Charlton graduated from West Catholic High School in 1945 and immediately joined the Navy. He served for about three years as a machinist mate.

When he returned home, he enrolled at Pennsylvania State University, majored in English, and played on the soccer team. He was part of the 1950 team that played in the national championship and the 1951 team that traveled to Iran to play some diplomatic games.

After graduating from Penn State in 1953, Dr. Charlton worked at the former Pennsylvania School for the Deaf in Mount Airy. It was there that he met fellow teacher Jane Ledwith, whom he married in 1956.

He worked for a few years at Lower Merion High School while working on his master's and doctorate in education at Temple University.

After receiving his doctorate in the early 1960s, Dr. Charlton was hired at Trenton State College, now the College of New Jersey.

In addition to his wife and two sons, Dr. Charlton is survived by another son, Timothy; a daughter, Jane; and eight grandchildren.

Services are private.