The United States invasion of Panama was in the news, George H.W. Bush was president, and Mike Tyson was still undefeated in the sport of boxing.

It was Jan. 15, 1990, the dawning of a new decade, and Rodger Danielson was about to embark on his over 29-year tenure as borough manager of Palmerton.

On Wednesday — nearly 30 years later — Danielson served his final day in that capacity as friends and family gathered to wish him well upon his retirement.

Danielson said the day marked the conclusion of 29 years and almost three months as borough manager.

“I cannot say enough how much I’ve enjoyed serving this community, working with the people in this community, and the reception this community has given me and my family here,” Danielson said. “We’ve always felt very much at home; we have just enjoyed tremendously raising our kids here.

It’s a community that we couldn’t have hand-picked any better.”

Danielson said he and his wife, Diane, will soon be relocating back to northwest Pennsylvania.

“That’s where my wife and I both grew up,” he said. “We do look forward to that as a new adventure, much as coming to Palmerton was a new adventure.”

Danielson said the move will allow the couple to be closer to family.

“We do have some things going on there that we’re looking forward to, but we’re going to very much miss the relationships we’ve built up over 30 years here; our church, some of the organizations we’ve been involved with from Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and high school activities with the kids, the bands, and other things,” he said.

“Our kids have all moved on, they’ve chosen to locate other places, so we’re going to return back to our roots.”

Danielson’s retirement led to the promotion of Donna McGarry as the new borough manager.

McGarry — who has about 34 years working with the borough — most recently served as treasurer and assistant secretary.

“Right now, I think the borough is in good hands,” Danielson said. “When I was looking at retiring, I thought this was a good time to leave with the people in places they should be.”

As with any job, Danielson said there were always ups and downs.

“It’s been a pleasure being here,” he said. “You have your good days and bad days, but Palmerton has a lot more good days.”

Danielson said he’ll leave with the same optimism he had for the borough when he arrived three decades ago.

“I thought when I got here the town was in such good condition, the community setting was so nice,” he said.

Danielson was quick to heap praise on those he worked with.

“I can’t say enough about the support I’ve had over the years from council and staffing,” he said.

As he reflected on his career, Danielson didn’t hesitate when asked what he’ll miss most.

“The friendships that we built over 30 years,” he said.