Published by Legacy Remembers on Aug. 18, 2025.
90 years of age and resident of Allentown, passed away peacefully early Friday morning August 15, 2025 while a guest of Fellowship Community, where he resided for the past three years. He was the beloved husband of Sandra A. (Walters) Glass for 67 years. Born in Allentown, Ron was a son of the late James H. and Frances (Appel) Glass.
A 1952 graduate of Allentown High School, he obtained two Masters degrees from Kutztown and Lehigh Universities, and a Certificate in Vocational Education from Temple University. Earlier in his career, he taught at Coatesville and Louis E. Dieruff High Schools along with Bethlehem Area Vocational Technical School. Ron moved on to teach at Lehigh Carbon Community College. Later, Ron became the Assistant to the Dean of Instruction at LCCC, and in 1985 was named Dean of Academic Programs, serving as a member of the Foundation Board of Directors. He retired from LCCC in 1991 as Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs. After retirement, he returned to his love of teaching as an adjunct faculty member.
A well-known commercial artist, Ron's work can be found throughout the Lehigh Valley. He volunteered his talents to school districts, churches and community theatres, assisting with set design and painted graphics and logo design. Ron's work can still be seen today: the crest he created for the Allentown Band appears on their uniforms, the logo he designed for the Liberty High School Grenadier Band appears on their bass drums, and designs for numerous small businesses appear on their trucks and signage. He was also a talented and creative silversmith.
Ron was a dedicated member of Saint John's UCC Fullerton, where he took on many responsibilities. He served on Consistory as Deacon and Elder, chaired the Major Renovation Committee, was a member of the Finance Committee, and was a featured vocalist. He served on the Board of Directors of the Penn Northeast Conference, and was their representative to the National Executive Board. He was a member of the Lehigh County Drug and Alcohol Commission, volunteer for the Boy Scouts of America, and was a motivational and inspirational speaker for higher education and art history.
For many years, he was a member of the Kutztown Alumni Board, helping shape the direction and growth of his alma mater. He loved to play the trombone and performed with many groups. Ron played in band from high school, through college, in the military, and with area community bands (including the Liberty Alumni Band and the Easton Municipal band) well into his 80's. Ron passed on his love for music to his children and grandchildren, with whom he loved attending concerts.
Ron honorably served with the United States Army attaining the rank of Sergeant during the Vietnam Era, and continued his dedication with the National Guard and Army Band.
Ron's life was marked by devotion to his family, church, service to others, and kindness and respect to all with whom he interacted.
He is survived by his wife Sandy, daughters Kimberly Watson and her husband Scott of Coplay, and Tracey Glass with whom he resided; grandchildren Abigail and Benjamin Watson; predeceased by sisters Dolores Fronheiser, Marilyn Benscoter, and Suzann Irish.
A Celebration of Ron's Life will be officiated by Rev. Philp J. Yerrington in the Zentz Community Center of Fellowship Community. The date and time will be announced in the near future.
Interment was private in Cedar Hill Memorial Park Allentown.
For those who wish to honor Ron with a memorial contribution, his family suggests a donation to either Fellowship Community Spirit Fund 3000 Fellowship Drive,
Whitehall, PA 18052, or Saint John's UCC Fullerton, 575 Grape Street
Whitehall, PA 18052.
The Gilbert Funeral Home of Whitehall
is honored to handle his arrangements