In Catasauqua, Jeff Miller is in an elite crowd.

He is one of the few people in Catasauqua and across the Lehigh Valley who have relished and gave back to their community. In Catty, Eric Snyder also is in that category, and he is still carrying the torch.

But Miller decided to place his torch on the shelf May 15 after 39 years after serving the community as parks and recreational director.

Town officials recognized Miller’s work ethic and contributions when they dedicated the amphitheater at the Catty playground.

It was the perfect honor for Miller, who toiled and tailored that area as his personal playground.

Like his playing and wrestling days, Miller took his honor in a humble stride.

He was the quarterback on the 1981 Rough Rider football team that went 12-0 and captured the Colonial League championship.

There wasn’t a district title back then, but Miller helped with wins over defending East Penn Conference Emmaus and also defending Centennial League champ Northern Lehigh. They also downed Colonial League Nazareth, snapping the Blue Eagles’ 17-game winning streak in the process.

Miller had fond memories that he will never forget from his senior, 12-0 season.

“I remember that our football team had an abundance of talented seniors and juniors,” recalled Miller. “We loved to play the game and we even loved to practice. I remember one of our coaches saying that we practiced so hard and that the coaches had to ramp down our intensity. The Nazareth game was a big game because they beat us the year before and they were the Colonial League champs that year.

“We were pretty dominant against them and I remember having a TD pass, and I think a punt return against them, so it was a good measuring stick for us.

“We beat the EPC and Centennial League champs, so we were the best in the Valley.”

Miller’s sons, Kyle and Tyler, both kicked for the Roughies, but they made their mark on the soccer fields. He keeps in regular contact with teammates Chris Gerhard, Barry Lovelace, and Jim Steckel as well as seeing others occasionally.

He keeps an eye on Catty’s teams, and was happy for their recent track success. Along with his playing days, Miller always cherished his working ones and being able to enhance the town..

“I worked with a lot of great people who cared about the borough, administrators and council persons,” noted Miller. “We did a lot of projects at the parks and town over the years to improve the quality of life for the residents. I was just glad to be a small part of that work team.”

Teammate Chris Gerhard, a former Catasauqua assistant principal who played football with Miller and wrestled with him, knew Miller walked softly and carried a big stick.

“Jeff was just an awesome competitor and leader in everything he did,” emphasized Gerhard. “He was our quarterback and always led by example. He worked hard and always did what was best for our team.

“I have been friends with Jeff for over 50 years and he is a great husband, father, grandfather, and friend. The borough of Catasauqua was fortunate to have Jeff Miller as a student, resident, an employee and, more importantly, a person.”

It’s easy to see why Miller is in an elite Catty crowd and across the Lehigh Valley.