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The Life of Dr Okan Akcay D B A

Dr. Okan Akcay, D.B.A., 73, of Mertztown, passed away on Monday, August 21, 2017 in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township. He was the loving husband of Susan (Albert) Akcay, whom he married on July 6, 1978.

Born in Yenipazar, Aydin, Turkey, Okan was a son of the late Ahmet Nuri and Murruvet (Dora) Akcay. Dr. Akcay received a Bachelor degree from Dokuzeylul University, Izmir, Turkey in 1968. He received his M.B.A. in 1971 from Michigan State University, where he met his wife Susan. In 1974, Dr. Akcay received his D.B.A. from Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey. Dr. Akcay had a love for teaching and mentoring students, family, and friends throughout his life. He was an Associate Professor at The Academy of Economics and Commercial Science, Bursa, Turkey, from 1972 to 1980. He also taught in the same capacity at The College of Business Administration and Tourism, Balikesir, Turkey, for four years. He was an Assistant Professor at Elizabethtown College from 1982 to 1986. Most recently, Dr. Akcay was employed as a Professor in the Business Department at Kutztown University from 1986 until his retirement on Friday, August 18, 2017. He was recently named Professor Emeritus at Kutztown University. He enjoyed traveling the world with his family, friends, and colleagues. He also enjoyed following sports, particularly European soccer, and supporting Michigan State athletics.

He is survived by Susan, his wife of 38 years; and his 2 Children, Kaan (Denver, CO) and Seren (Philadelphia). He is also survived by 2 Brothers, Teyfik and Mehmet, a Sister, Guler Yagdereli, and their families. He was predeceased by his Parents and a Brother, Errol.

At Dr. Akcay's request, there will be no services, and everyone that knew him should remember the friendships that you shared together. Please share your memories of Okan and offer condolences to his family at www.Ludwickfh.com.

The family requests that contributions be made in Dr. Akcay's memory to the Prostate Cancer Research Institute, 5777 W. Century Blvd., Suite 800, Los Angeles, CA 90045 or online at www.pcri.org/donate-now. Arrangements are by the Ludwick Funeral Home, Kutztown, PA.

Filter Dr Okan Akcay D B A's Timeline by the following Memory Categories

Photo Album

2017.08.23

Okan became a beloved member of our family when he married our sister, Susan. Even though we lived far apart, we shared many happy times together on holidays and vacations. He was one of the kindest, smartest, most generous persons I knew. We will miss him dearly.
Posted by Karen B

2017.08.24

My uncle was one of the kindest, most sincere and generous people you could ever come across. He was always willing to talk to anyone about anything, from sports to work/career advice and even politics. Many of my favorite memories came from trips visiting his family. We did a lot of fun things but also just spent a lot of time together and he always made us feel welcomed. I have so many memories of him from sharing trips and holidays together, but some of my favorite memories of him are of times we weren't even together. Hearing him talk about his travels and seeing his photographs from around the world was always one of the highlights of spending time with him. I will miss him dearly and am proud to be his nephew.
Posted by Andy B

2017.08.24

Susan and family, Please accept my condolences on your loss. Okan was truly "a gentleman and a scholar." He was one of the kindest people I have ever known. The Department of Business will miss his smile and laughter. Donna Steslow
Posted by Donna S

2017.08.24

I'm very sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of Okan. I remember him as an ethusiastic person -friendly and very nice. He was very supportive with soccer. My deepest condolences. Travis
Posted by Travis B

2017.08.25

Too many memories to list but I will share some of my favorites. First and foremost for me my uncle Okan and exemplified the American dream. He came to this country to attend college and went on to teach and Mentor countless students/ people when he became a college professor. His love of sports also leaves a lasting impression I was probably in my early teens when I played tennis with him. Being much younger, I thought I could take him. He ran me all over the court while beating me that day. He was one of the reasons I joined my High School tennis team. I also remember watching early morning BPL soccer games and any MSU sporting events with him. You will be missed, love you Uncle Okan. -Matt
Posted by Matt B

2017.08.25

I have many great memories of Okan, particularly providing me much needed positive encouragement on the soccer field. He also has some serious ping-pong skills... he was a just a great person.
Posted by Ben C

2017.08.25

Susan you and your family have my deepest sympathy.
Posted by Susan K

2017.08.26

Susan, Kaan, Seren, we met you all 29 years ago, when we were blessed to become your neighbors. Some many good things have happened as our families grew. Our words can not express the sadness we feel. We will miss Okan very much. Even the simple things like; Okan's smile, his voice, the way it sounded when he walked to the mailbox. His always friendly hello, and so much more. He was truly a great man and special person. We send you all our deepest sympathies and love. The Vresko's ??
Posted by The V

2017.08.26

Okan, I hope you know how much you are loved and appreciated. You have been a cherished and big part of my life since you became my brother when I was 13. I have a lifetime of good memories with you and there are too many to write, I want to share a few things. We admire your kind, warm and open heart, generous spirit and love of learning and willingness to share your knowledge freely. You have always been very patient with all of us and made so many sacrifices including making many many very long drives back and forth to Michigan so we could spend time together. Thank you for being such a great man and for being such a special part of our lives. One fun memory: It was surprising how a normally mild mannered, soft spoken intellectual could make us jump with freight when you and Susan yelled at/cheered on the Spartans. Go Green! Love and miss you, Allison
Posted by Allison A

2017.08.27

Dr. Akcay was one of my favorite professors at Kutztown. He even taught my mother who remembered having him as a professor at Elizabethtown College. It's amazing how many people and generations of students he's had a positive impact on. He will be greatly missed.
Posted by Jack R

2017.08.27

Dear Susan, Kaan and Seren, We are so very sorry for your loss. We will keep Okan in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Rosemary & Greg Kokolus
Posted by Rosemary K

2017.08.28

To Akcay Famliy Susan, Kaan, Seren We convey with all deepest feelings our condolences for the lost of your greatest member of family, Okan for whom we shall always keep our memories. Best regards
Posted by Hamit U

2017.08.28

My condolences to the family, who I know from our conversations meant everything to Okan. Okan and my office were aside of each other and we shared many things. We both love college basketball and Okan definitely resided in the Izzozone. Second, we had the same birthday. Among the many things I will miss, is finding out who would be the first to express happy birthday on October 30.
Posted by Dave W

2017.09.06

Susan - you and your family have our condolences. Okan was a member of our family and it was always great to spend time with him on your visits to Detroit. We will miss his warm smile and interesting conversations. He will always be in our memories.
Posted by Bernardine and Gary W

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