Joseph A. Miller M.D.

1927 - 2018

Dr. Joseph A. Miller, 91, of Allentown, died Wednesday, December 19, 2018 at Lehigh Valley Hospital – Cedar Crest. Born in Mahoning Township, Carbon County, September 23, 1927, Joseph 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 OBGYN for 10 years. Dr. Miller began a private practice in Allentown before founding College Heights OBGYN. He spent his career patiently mentoring scores of young doctors, methodically teaching them to do the job he did so skillfully and lovingly. It was that love for his vocation and patients that 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.It was at Allentown General Hospital where he met Carole Westin, a beautiful nursing student who stole his heart. Together they built a wonderful family and celebrated 61 years of marriage this past September 7th. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, who 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, enjoyed drives in the country, appreciating the beauty of the world around him. He loved taking care of his yard and tending his rosebushes. Dr. Miller retired in 2002, and despite some serious health issues in later years, 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. Dr. Miller was a member of the Lehigh Valley Medical Society. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, Allentown, where he served as a deacon and attended faithfully, even when that became very difficult, and loved the old hymns and music of the choir. He was an inspiration to many and has certainly heard the words of his Savior saying, "Well done, good and faithful servant." Survivors: In addition to his loving wife, Carole; 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. Service: Funeral services will be held 11:00 am. Thursday, December 27, 2018 at Calvary Baptist Church, 4601 West Tilghman Street, Allentown. Family and friends may pay their respects from 10 – 11:00 am. Thursday in the church. Interment will follow the service at Cedar Hill Memorial Park, Allentown. The Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc., is in charge of arrangements. Online expressions of sympathy may be recorded at www.heintzelmancares.com. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box # 196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196.