Rudy S. Ackerman, D.Ed., 82, of Allentown, died May 22, 2015, surrounded by his loving family in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township.

He and his wife Rosemarie (Ercolani) Ackerman were married for 61 years in Allentown.

He served as professor and chair of the Moravian College Department of Art from 1963-2002, executive director of the Baum School of Art from 1965-2006, and director of exhibitions and collections at the Baum School from 2006-15.

Born in Allentown, he was the son of the late Harvey and Alma (Schlegel) Ackerman.

He was well known as a sculptor, painter and printmaker. Some of his sculpture can be found on civic and collegiate locations including Lehigh University, Moravian College, Penn State University, The Da Vinci Discovery Center and in private collections throughout the Lehigh Valley.

He received numerous awards and community recognitions, including the Outstanding Alumni Award, Kutztown University, the Outstanding Service, Allentown Arts Commission, the Individual's Artist's Award, the Bethlehem Fine Arts Commission and the Hurd Professor of Arts and Humanities, Moravian College.

A leader and visionary in the Lehigh Valley Arts Community, he influenced countless lives as a teacher, administrator and arts advocate.

His bright smile and quick wit was cherished and will be missed by so many.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughters, Sally Ackerman King of Merion Station, Ann Ackerman Lalik, wife of John Lalik, of Allentown and grandchildren, John Alex and Nick Lalik, and Matthew and Maria King.

His memorial service will be 2 p.m. May 30 in the sanctuary of the First Presbyterian Church of Allentown, 3231 W. Tilghman St. Allentown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to The Baum School of Art, P.O. Box 653, Allentown, PA 18101.

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