It's almost unfathomable to serve one's community for a half century without skipping a beat.

For all of his years of service to the community, Dr. John DeMatte III was honored during the annual Blue Mountain Health System medical staff meeting at the Blue Shamrock Golf Club in Palmerton on Tuesday.DeMatte, who practices in Lehighton, was honored for 50 consecutive years of service to the community, as well as his service with the Blue Mountain Health System.Dr. Louis Sportelli of Palmerton, referred to DeMatte as "an icon in the community."Sportelli then presented DeMatte with a certificate of appreciation plaque.DeMatte expressed his appreciation, and discussed some of the changes he's seen during that time.He said that the staff at both Gnaden Huetten Memorial Hospital in Lehighton and Palmerton Hospital, have been "fantastic."DeMatte also said he believes the patients and the community have benefitted from the merger of the two campuses.He then thanked his wife for her support, and his son for being his partner in practice.Dr. Patrick Hanley was also recognized as outgoing president of the medical staff.