Louis Peter Falino Jr.

January 18, 1943 - September 28, 2024

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Dr. Louis P. Falino, Jr., of Philadelphia, PA, who passed away peacefully at the age of 81. A man of vast intellect, creativity, and service, Dr. Falino leaves behind a rich legacy as an educator, diplomat, and artist.

Dr. Falino’s formative years were deeply influenced by his Calabrian heritage, growing up in Tacony, a proud working-class immigrant community. He was raised with a belief in God and educated in the Jesuit tradition, graduating from St. Joseph’s College and later earning his doctorate at St. Louis University. His interest in languages and foreign cultures drew him to Chile in 1963 on a Fulbright grant from Fordham University that changed the course of his life, there meeting his beloved wife Myriam and beginning a lifelong passion for the country and its people. His academic path then led him to Temple University as a professor of Spanish and Portuguese.

In addition to teaching, Dr. Falino dedicated over 23 years to proudly serve his country as a Senior Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Department of State, specializing in Latin American affairs. His diplomatic career took him around the globe, participating in significant political and cultural events and making meaningful contributions to U. S. – Latin American relations.

Dr. Falino was also a man of profound artistic expression. He was a poet, playwright, and novelist, whose works reflected the depth of his experiences and the intricacies and universality of the human condition. His photography captured the beauty of his world travels, documenting the diverse panoramas and cultures he encountered with an eye for classical composition but with a sensitivity for both detail and emotion. He was also a musician who played the accordion, harmonica and guitar, and a lover of music and dance, particularly blues, jazz, bossa nova and tango, finding there a soundtrack that accompanied his life’s journey.

Dr. Falino lived a full life of adventure and beauty, combining his intellectual pursuits with a deep curiosity for the world and its people. He was a voracious learner yet never selfish with his knowledge, always willing to share a good story or a lesson. Whether in the classroom, in embassies, or through his art, he embodied the Jesuit values of service, reflection, and engagement with the world.

He is survived by his sons, Louis III (Stephanie) and Francis (Jeannie); and his grandchildren, Michael, Alexandra, Ryan, Carly and Mattea. He was preceded in death by his wife Myriam, and his sisters Mary Jo and Frances.

They remember a man with a love for food and the artisanship of Italian family recipes, who passed along the craft of the cavatelli and pizzelle to his grandchildren. They remember a man of intense faith, who saw God’s hand everywhere and was always appreciative of his countless blessings. They remember a man of letters and action, whose impact will be felt for generations. His wisdom, kindness, generosity and passion for life will be dearly missed.

A memorial service will be held at a time and location still to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, we request that any donations be made in his memory to the Charles F. Shreiner '50 Fund for Latin American Studies at Saint Joseph's University at Giving SJU/Lou Falino '64.

"Life is being and becoming, not accumulating or possessing but discovering and always learning."

Dr. Louis P. Falino Jr.