Date of death: 2/22/2016
Saint Meinrad Class: O 1957
Msgr. Robert L. Charlebois, age 84, passed away on February 22, 2016 in Palm Springs, CA. Born in Gary, IN on May 25, 1931 to the late Thomas and Mary Charlebois. Msgr. Robert Charlebois was the first priest ordained in 1957 for the Diocese of Gary, serving the parishes of St. Mary, East Chicago, IN, St. John Bosco, Hammond, IN, and St. Monica, Gary. He taught at Bishop Noll High School from 1957 to 1961, and received his Master’s Degree in Social Work from The Catholic University of America in 1963. In 1964, Msgr. Charlebois was assigned to Catholic Relief Services and served internationally for 30 years, specializing in refugee relief, living in Vietnam, Cambodia, Lebanon, Thailand, and Ecuador, playing a key role in the Vietnam Baby Airlift. Returning to world headquarters, Msgr. Charlebois was named Senior Director of Eurasia being responsible for the relief and development programs for all the countries from North Africa to New Guinea. In 1992, at the request of the Vatican, Msgr. Charlebois became the co-founder of the Path to Peace Foundation of the Nunciatura of the Holy See to the United Nations. He served as Vice President for the humanitarian and educational programs and projects of the Holy See through its Path to Peace Foundation. Msgr. Served as an adjunct professor of International Social Work and International Studies in the Graduate School of Fordham University in New York. Since 1998 until his death, Msgr. Charlebois was engaged in networking and serving the ministry for AIDS patients in Washington, Oregon, and California. He is survived by sister, Jeanne Marie Rodriguez of Arvada, CO; brother, Thomas E. Charlebois of Hobart, IN; sister-in-law, Ann Charlebois of Indianapolis, IN; numerous nieces and nephews Preceded in death by parents; brothers, Msgr. John J. Charlebois, William A. Charlebois; sister, Noreen Charlebois.