Former ABA president and ABA Center for Human Rights co-founder Jerome J. Shestack passed away at the age of 88 on August 18, 2011, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Center extends its deep sympathy to Marciarose and children Jonathan and Jennifer, and their family, friends, and colleagues.

Michael S. Greco, former ABA President and Chair of the ABA Center for Human Rights, said this: "We mourn the loss of an extraordinary human being, statesman, humanitarian, lawyer, leader, and Renaissance man. Jerry Shestack was all of those things, of course, and much more.

"He was a pioneer in international human rights law. He helped develop and strengthen the international human rights legal infrastructure that has significantly expanded protection of human rights globally, and fostered the growth of the NGO community, which has been critical to that progress. His life’s calling, driven by his faith, was ‘Justice, Justice Shalt Thou Pursue.’ That is what he did, and he did it extremely well.

"The ABA Center for Human Rights carries on that pursuit in Jerry’s memory, guided by his example. This is a time of sorrow, but it is also one of remembrance and celebration of a man who leaves this world better for his many contributions."