Dr. William W. Sharkan, 85, of Allentown. died October 13, 2013 in Cedarbrook Nursing Home, Allentown. Born in Bethlehem, he was a son of the late William and Theresa (Kardos) Sharkan. He was the husband of Phyllis J. (Totenbier) Sharkan for 61 years.

He was a 1952 graduate of Lehigh University. He earned a master's degree from Columbia University and a doctorate in Education from Penn State. He was a Naval School of Music graduate and was in the Marine Corps Band.

He was a Marine Corps veteran of World War II.

He was the superintendent of Northern Lehigh School District for six years, retiring in 1984. Previously he was director of personnel, planning and research in the Bethlehem School District; assistant principal at William Allen High School; and a science teacher and department chairman at Raub Junior High School.

An ordained minister of the Volunteers of American Christian Church, he was a member of St. Timothy's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Allentown. He was a choir member and a past president, and a Sunday school superintendent.

He was a member of the Schoolmen's Club of Bethlehem, the Asa Packer Society at Lehigh University and a life member of the National Education Association. He was a past executive of the board of the United Way and a past member of the board of directors of the Allentown Area Ecumenical Food Bank.

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

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

Contributions may be made to the church, 140 S. Ott St., Allentown, PA 18104.

Arrangements by the J. S. Burkholder Funeral Home Inc., Allentown.