The St. Ignatius College Preparatory community is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Charles “Charlie” Dullea ’65, a highly respected English teacher, mentor, and the school’s first lay principal. Charlie passed away peacefully on November 7, 2025, following a brief illness. He was 78 years old, born on February 20, 1947.
A proud member of the St. Ignatius Class of 1965, Mr. Dullea dedicated nearly his entire professional life to his alma mater. After serving honorably as a Captain in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, he returned to SI in 1972 to begin his long and impactful teaching career. Over the next 46 years, Charlie became a cornerstone of the school community—teaching English, mentoring students and staff, and leading as principal from 1997 to 2008. He retired in 2019, tying the record for longest tenure in SI’s history, a distinction shared with the late Fr. Anthony P. Sauer, S.J.
As principal, Charlie Dullea played a pivotal role in transforming SI’s academic and spiritual landscape. He hired over 60 teachers, founded the Excellence in Teaching (EIT) Program in 1998 to foster professional growth, and emphasized collaboration, faith, and lifelong learning among faculty. His leadership nurtured a culture of mentorship and excellence that continues to define the school today.
Under his guidance, SI’s Adult Spirituality Program and Student Support Services were established, expanding opportunities for both faculty and students to grow intellectually and spiritually. Charlie also championed diversity and inclusion, supporting initiatives like the Magis Program and ensuring academic help was available to every student in need.
Beyond St. Ignatius, Mr. Dullea’s influence extended across Jesuit education nationwide. For over two decades, he trained Jesuit scholastics, presented at conferences on educational leadership, and contributed to the Jesuits West Province and Jesuit Schools Network, helping shape the next generation of educators.
Known for his warmth, wit, and dedication, Charlie often reminded colleagues that teaching was both a challenge and a calling. “Marvelous possibilities for human growth abound in every class,” he once said—a philosophy that guided his work every day.
After retiring, Charlie and his wife, Pattie, also a lifelong educator, continued serving students and families, helping young learners transition successfully into high school.
Charlie is survived by his loving wife Pattie, their daughter Jennifer, grandson Grant, sister Mary, brothers-in-law Jim and Bill Brown, Godsons Michael John Ottoboni and John Scott Husser, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by Fr. Charles Dullea, S.J. ’34, Fr. John Dullea, S.J. ’46, and his brother Ed Dullea, a retired SFPD officer.
Details regarding a private burial and Celebration of Life will be shared at a later date.
Charlie Dullea’s legacy lives on—in every student he inspired, every teacher he mentored, and every classroom that continues to embody his belief in the transformative power of education.
