Dr. William W. Sharkan, 85, from Allentown, died Oct. 13, 2013, in Cedarbrook Nursing Home, South Whitehall.

He and his wife Phyllis J. (Totenbier) Sharkan celebrated their 61st anniversary in August.

He had a lifelong love of learning, and along with his wife, he traveled extensively throughout the United States and abroad in countries on four continents.

Born in Bethlehem, he was a son of the late William and Theresa (Kardos) Sharkan.

He graduated in 1952 from Lehigh University, received his Master's degree from Columbia University in 1954, and received his Doctorate in Education from Penn State in 1963.

He was superintendent of Northern Lehigh School District for six years before retiring in 1984.

Under his leadership, the new senior high school was built and the old high school renovated into a junior high school.

Previously he was director of personnel, planning and research in the Bethlehem School District from 1968-78; assistant principal at William Allen High School from 1964 to 1968 and a science teacher and department chairman at Raub Junior High School from 1955 to 1964.

Over the years, he has been a visiting instructor and lecturer at Penn State, Allentown, Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit 21, Temple University, Muhlenberg Campus, Cedar Crest College, Muhlenberg College and the Allentown School District's Evening Institute.

After retirement he became director of the Volunteers of America Children's Center, Allentown, from 1984-93.

He became an ordained minister of the Volunteers of America Christian Church and officiated at many baptisms, weddings and funerals.

A member of St. Timothy's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Allentown, he was a past president and member of the church choir and served as superintendent of the Sunday School.

A Marine Corps veteran of World War II, he was a graduate of the Naval School of Music, and a member of the Marine Corps Band.

He was a past member of the Allentown Music Festivals, past executive of the board of the United Way, past member of the board of directors of the Allentown Area Ecumenical Food Bank and past chairperson of the Veterans Memorial Committee at Cedar Hill Memorial Park.

In 1996, he received the Kiwanis Club of Allentown President's Citation for outstanding service to the community.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Dr. Keith L. and his wife Frances of Malvern; daughter Lygia J. Bellis, wife of Donald of Norfolk, Va.; four grandsons; and three great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by a brother Joseph and a sister Leona Huesz.

His memorial service will be 11 a.m. Oct 19 in St. Timothy's Lutheran Church,140 S. Ott St., Allentown.

Call 10-11 a.m. in the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the church.

Arrangements were made by J.S. Burkholder Funeral Home, Allentown.