Dr. Joseph A. Miller, 91, of Allentown, died Dec. 19, 2018, in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township.

Born Sept. 23, 1927, in Mahoning Township, Carbon County, he was the son of the late George L. and Mary A. (LeVan) Miller.

He loved to reminisce about his hometown and share stories of days gone by.

After attending Lehighton High School where he was class president, he faithfully and honorably served his country in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II.

A graduate of the pre-med program at Muhlenberg College and Thomas Jefferson Medical College, Dr. Miller served his internship and residency program at the former Allentown General Hospital where he became chief of obstetrics/gynecology for 10 years.

He began a private practice in Allentown before founding College Heights Ob/Gyn.

He spent his career patiently mentoring scores of young doctors, methodically teaching them to do the job he did so skillfully and lovingly.

That love for his vocation and patients set him apart. His patients knew him to be the kind of doctor who gave them his full attention, always offering a listening ear.

He earned the respect and admiration of his medical colleagues and was honored many times for his excellence in medicine.

He met Carole Westin, a beautiful nursing student who stole his heart, at Allentown General Hospital.

Together they built a wonderful family and celebrated 61 years of marriage on Sept. 7

A devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he took great pride in his family and was beloved by all who were blessed to be his family.

Loyalty, faith, determination, strength, encouragement, and optimism are just some of the words that capture the character of this good and gentle man who was also a gentleman in every sense of the word.

He loved the outdoors and, in addition to running and skiing, he enjoyed drives in the country, appreciating the beauty of the world around him.

He loved taking care of his yard and tending his rosebushes.

Retiring in 2002, and despite some serious health issues in later years, he continued to embrace life with great enthusiasm.

He took up painting and pursued that with the same fervor he brought to his work, teaching himself and always trying to improve his art.

He was a member of the Lehigh Valley Medical Society, and Calvary Baptist Church, South Whitehall, where he served as a deacon and attended faithfully, even when that became very difficult.

He loved the old hymns and music of the choir and was an inspiration to many and has certainly heard the words of his Savior saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by children, Debra L. Wagner and her fiancé, Gary P. Davidowich of Emmaus, Sherol L. Kane and her husband, Dr. Eric D. Kane, of Bethlehem, Todd E. Miller of North Wales; grandchildren Laura, Joseph, Matthew, Samantha, Zachary and Gretchen; great-grandchildren, Emma and Noah; nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by siblings Marie, Erma, George, and Barbara, and an infant son, Scott A. Miller.

Expressions of sympathy may be made at heintzelmancares.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box 196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196.

Arrangements were made by Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc., Schnecksville.