Charles Keller was Rotary International President in 1987-89, and is presidential theme was United in Service.

Keller earned an undergraduate degree in education from the University of Pennsylvania. He later decided to pursue law and received a law degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1949. His career as an attorney was filled with accomplishments. He was a senior partner in the law firm of Peacock, Keller, Yohe, Day, and Ecker. He served on the board of governors of the Pennsylvania Bar Association and in 1983 was president of the organization. In 1986 he received one of the highest honours granted to trial lawyers by the American legal profession — election to membership in the American College of Trial Lawyers.

Keller held leadership roles in the local and state chambers of commerce, the Boy Scouts, and United Way. He was director of the Foundation for California University of Pennsylvania.

Keller was a combat pilot in World War II and later joined the U.S. Air Force Reserve, serving in the Judge Advocate General’s branch. He retired in 1972 as a lieutenant colonel.

He joined Rotary in 1950 and was a member of the Rotary Club of California, Pennsylvania, USA. In addition to his term as Rotary International president in 1987-88, Keller served as director, Rotary Foundation trustee chair, chair of the Council on Legislation, and district governor. Most recently he was chair of the Foundation Centennial History Book Committee

Dedicated to Peace, urged Rotary members to build a more peaceful world. He challenged members to revive vocational service and enhance youth programs.

Keller received Rotary International’s Service Above Self Award and the Foundation’s Citation for Meritorious Service and Distinguished Service Awards. For his extraordinary service to PolioPlus, he also received the PolioPlus Pioneer Award and the Service Award for a Polio-Free World.


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