Attorney Daniel A. Miscavige has seen a lot during his career as a lawyer and borough and county solicitor.

He has helped oversee major projects, lawsuits and everyday operations.

He has represented the people of the community and stayed true to his faith.

But after a 45-year career, the Weatherly area lawyer feels now is the time to slow down and enjoy the little things in life.

On Thursday, the Carbon County Commissioners honored Miscavige during his final meeting as county solicitor, a position he held since 2012.

County administrator Eloise Ahner said Dan had been the person who guided her as she took on her role in the county.

“We all work together as one big team,” Eloise Ahner said. “I just want to wish him the best.”

Commissioners’ Chairman Wayne Nothstein jokingly asked if Miscavige would reconsider, before wishing him all the best in his retirement.

Commissioner Rocky Ahner echoed his colleagues’ thoughts, adding that he will be missed, but it is a well-deserved retirement.

“You’re probably one of the best I have ever seen,” Rocky Ahner said.

Commissioner Chris Lukasevich said that it has been a pleasure to work with Miscavige.

“I really think (there are) three words that best describe or encapsulate my interactions and observations and they are grounded in his faith, his knowledge and his professionalism,” Lukasevich said. “I can truly say I was never disappointed in the quality of his research, his reasoning of the legal opinions. I found his opinions to be of sound counsel and worthy of being weighed in the decisions that we had to make as commissioners, specifically myself, that were going to impact the citizens of Carbon County.”

Lukasevich also cited two Bible verses that he felt Miscavige followed in his life and career. They were Proverbs 12:15 and Psalms 1:1.

“Dan epitomizes that in the spirit of these verses,” he said.

Several boards

Miscavige addressed his colleagues, saying that it has been a pleasure to work with the team in Carbon County and reflected on his career.

“First of all, I want to thank God. He’s poured out great good to me throughout my life,” he said. “And one of the great blessings has been working with Carbon County.”

Miscavige worked with several boards of commissioners prior to becoming county solicitor.

From Thomas Gerhard Sr. and Dean DeLong and Charles Getz when he served as assistant county solicitor, real estate and personal property and then solicitor for the tax claim bureau; to former Commissioners Thomas J. Gerhard and William O’Gurek, as well as the current board.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure,” he said. “I always say what I am most proud about is the boards I’ve worked with, there’s no self-serving, no self-interest. People work genuinely for what they believe to be in the best interest of the citizens of Carbon County.”

Miscavige also commended the staff in the commissioners’ office who works tirelessly to make sure everything runs smoothly.

“I can’t thank you enough for the many kindnesses and the assistance you provided me,” he said. “It has been a real personal blessing to know you and work with you.”

In addition to the county recognizing him, Thomas J. Gerhard, deputy district director for Congressman Dan Meuser also presented Miscavige with a citation from the U.S. House of Representatives.

Gerhard, who had worked with Miscavige for 20 years, but has known him longer than that, thanked him for being a guiding light all these years.

An experienced career

Miscavige started his journey in the law field following his graduation from Elizabethtown College in 1974.

From there, he went on to graduate from Dickinson School of Law in 1977 and earned his license to practice law later that year.

He has been a partner in several law firms, first with Bigelow, Gillespie and Cooper; then Mylotte, David and Fitzpatrick; and finally from July 1, 2004, until the present, as a principal partner in Gillespie, Miscavige and Ferdinand LLC of Hazleton.

He has worked with Carbon County in various capacities since January 1992 and also served as a solicitor for Weatherly Area School District, Weatherly Zoning Hearing Board, Weatherly Borough Civil Service Commission, Kidder Township, Packer Township and Packer Township Planning Commission.

In 2019, Miscavige was honored by the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania with the Outstanding Solicitor Award.

He is rooted in his faith and serves as a lector and Eucharistic minister at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, is a member of the Knights of Columbus, St. Nicholas Council and St. Benedict Council Fourth Degree and the Order of Franciscan Seculars-Holy Cross Fraternity.

Moving forward

When asked why he chose now as the time to retire, Miscavige said it simply, “I think you just know when is the right time.”

He cited that many of the larger projects in Carbon County are wrapping up so it was a good transition point.

Miscavige plans to spend more time at home with family - his wife, Donna; children, Justin, Brynn and Caitlyn; and grandchildren, Riley, Athena, Selene, Elliot and Daniel; as well as his dog, Tucker.

He also plans to continue his volunteering and service to his community.

“Honestly, I’m just going to see where God leads me,” Miscavige said. “We’ll see where he wants me to go and hopefully I can recognize that path and follow it.”