Joe Paterno

Joe Paterno

Joe Paterno Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 22, 2012.
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) - Joe Paterno, the longtime Penn State coach who won more games than anyone in major college football but was fired amid a child sex abuse scandal that scarred his reputation for winning with integrity, died Sunday. He was 85.

His family released a statement Sunday morning to announce his death: "His loss leaves a void in our lives that will never be filled."

"He died as he lived," the statement said. "He fought hard until the end, stayed positive, thought only of others and constantly reminded everyone of how blessed his life had been. His ambitions were far reaching, but he never believed he had to leave this Happy Valley to achieve them. He was a man devoted to his family, his university, his players and his community."

Paterno built his program on the credo "Success with Honor," and he found both. The man known as "JoePa" won 409 games and took the Nittany Lions to 37 bowl games and two national championships. Mo re than 250 of the players he coached went on to the NFL.

"He will go down as the greatest football coach in the history of the game," Ohio State coach Urban Meyer said after his former team, the Florida Gators, beat Penn State 37-24 in the 2011 Outback Bowl.

Paterno's son Scott said on Nov. 18 that his father was being treated for lung cancer. The cancer was diagnosed during a follow-up visit for a bronchial illness. A few weeks after that revelation, Paterno also broke his pelvis after a fall but did not need surgery.

Paterno had been in the hospital since Jan. 13 for observation for what his family had called minor complications from his cancer treatments. Not long before that, he conducted his only interview since losing his job, with The Washington Post. Paterno was described as frail then, speaking mostly in a whisper and wearing a wig. The second half of the two-day interview was conducted at his bedside.

"As the last 61 years have shown, Joe ma de an incredible impact," said the statement from the family. "That impact has been felt and appreciated by our family in the form of thousands of letters and well wishes along with countless acts of kindness from people whose lives he touched. It is evident also in the thousands of successful student athletes who have gone on to multiply that impact as they spread out across the country."

The final days of Paterno's Penn State career were easily the toughest in his 61 years with the university and 46 seasons as head football coach.

It was because Paterno was a such a sainted figure - more memorable than any of his players and one of the best-known coaches in all of sports - that his downfall was so startling. During one breathtaking week in early November, Paterno was engulfed by a scandal and forced from his job, because he failed to go to the police in 2002 when told a young boy was molested inside the football complex.

"I didn't know which way to go ... and rather than get in there and make a mistake," he said in the Post interview.

Jerry Sandusky, the former defensive coordinator expected to succeed Paterno before retiring in 1999, was charged with sexually assaulting 10 boys over 15 years. Two university officials stepped down after they were charged with perjury following a grand jury investigation of Sandusky. But attention quickly focused on an alleged rape that took place in a shower in the football building, witnessed by Mike McQueary, a graduate assistant at the time.

McQueary testified that he had seen Sandusky attacking the child and that he had told Paterno, who waited a day before alerting school authorities. Police were never called and the state's top cop later said Paterno failed to execute his moral responsibility by not contacting police.

"You know, (McQueary) didn't want to get specific," Paterno said in the Post interview. "And to be frank with you I don't know that it would have done an y good, because I never heard of, of, rape and a man. So I just did what I thought was best. I talked to people that I thought would be, if there was a problem, that would be following up on it."

On the morning of Nov. 9, Paterno said he would retire following the 2011 season. He also said he was "absolutely devastated" by the abuse case.

"This is a tragedy," the coach said. "It is one of the great sorrows of my life. With the benefit of hindsight, I wish I had done more."

But the university trustees faced a crisis, and in an emergency meeting that night, they fired Paterno, effective immediately. Graham Spanier, one of the longest-serving university presidents in the nation, also was dismissed.

According to Lanny Davis, an attorney retained by the trustees as an adviser, board vice chairman John Surma regretted having to tell Paterno the decision over the phone.

The university handed the football team to one of Paterno's assistants, Tom Bradley, who said Paterno "will go down in history as one of the greatest men, who maybe most of you know as a great football coach."

Thick, smoky-lens glasses, rolled up khakis, jet-black sneakers, blue windbreaker - Paterno was easy to spot on the sidelines. His teams were just as easy to spot on the field; their white helmets and classic blue and white uniforms had the same old-school look as the coach.

Paterno believed success was not measured entirely on the field. From his idealistic early days, he had implemented what he called a "grand experiment" - to graduate more players while maintaining success on the field.

He was a frequent speaker on ethics in sports, a conscience for a world often infiltrated by scandal and shady characters.

His teams consistently ranked among the best in the Big Ten for graduating players. As of 2011, it had 49 academic All-Americans, the third-highest among schools in the Football Bowl Subdivision. All but two played under P aterno.

"He teaches us about really just growing up and being a man," former linebacker Paul Posluszny, now with the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars, once said. "Besides the football, he's preparing us to be good men in life."

Paterno certainly had detractors, as well. One former Penn State professor called his high-minded words on academics a farce. He was criticized for making broad critiques about the wrongs in college football without providing specifics. A former administrator said his players often got special treatment compared to non-athletes. His coaching style often was considered too conservative. Some thought he held on to his job too long. There was a push to move him out in 2004 but it failed.

But the critics were in the minority, and his program was never cited for major NCAA violations. However, the child sexual abuse scandal prompted separate investigations by the U.S. Department of Education and the NCAA into the school's handling.

Paterno played quarterback and cornerback for Brown University and set a defensive record with 14 career interceptions, a distinction he boasted about to his teams all the way into his 80s. He graduated in 1950 with plans to go to law school. He said his father hoped he would someday be president.

When he was 23, a former coach at Brown was moving to Penn State to become the head coach and persuaded Paterno to come with him as an assistant.

"I had no intention to coach when I got out of Brown," Paterno said in 2007 at Beaver Stadium in an interview before being inducted into the Hall of Fame. "Come to this hick town? From Brooklyn?"

In 1963, he was offered a job by the late Al Davis - $18,000, triple his salary at Penn State, plus a car to become general manager and coach of the AFL's Oakland Raiders. He said no. Rip Engle retired as Penn State head coach three years later, and Paterno took over.

At the time, the Lions were considered "Eastern football" - inf erior - and Paterno courted newspaper coverage to raise the team's profile. In 1967, PSU began a 30-0-1 streak.

But Penn State couldn't get to the top of the polls. The Lions finished second in 1968 and 1969 despite perfect records. They went 12-0 in 1973 and finished fifth. Texas edged them in 1969 after President Richard Nixon, impressed with the Longhorns' bowl performance, declared them No. 1.

"I'd like to know," Paterno said later, "how could the president know so little about Watergate in 1973, and so much about college football in 1969?"

A national title finally came in 1982, in a 27-23 win over Georgia at the Sugar Bowl. Penn State won another in 1986 after the Lions picked off Vinny Testaverde five times and beat Miami 14-10 in the Fiesta Bowl.

They have made several title runs since then, including a 2005 run to the Orange Bowl and an 11-1 campaign in 2008 that earned them a berth in the Rose Bowl, where they lost 37-23 to Southern California .

In his later years, physical ailments wore the old coach down. Paterno was run over on the sideline during a game at Wisconsin in November 2006 and underwent knee surgery. He hurt his hip in 2008 demonstrating an onside kick.

An intestinal illness and a bad reaction to antibiotics prescribed for dental work slowed him for most of the 2010 season. Paterno began scaling back his speaking engagements that year, ending his summer caravan of speeches to alumni across the state.

Then a receiver bowled over Paterno at practice in August, sending him to the hospital with shoulder and pelvis injuries and consigning him to coach much of the season from the press box.

"The fact that we've won a lot of games is that the good Lord kept me healthy, not because I'm better than anybody else," Paterno said two days before he won his 409th game and passed Eddie Robinson of Grambling State for the most in Division I. "It's because I've been around a lot longer than any body else."

Paterno could be conservative on the field, especially in big games, relying on the tried-and-true formula of defense, the running game and field position.

"They've been playing great defense for 45 years," Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said in November.

Paterno and his wife, Sue, raised five children in State College. Anybody could telephone him at his modest ranch home - the same one he appeared in front of on the night he was fired - by looking up "Paterno, Joseph V." in the phone book.

He walked to home games and was greeted and wished good luck by fans on the street. Former players paraded through his living room for the chance to say hello. But for the most part, he stayed out of the spotlight.

Paterno did have a knack for joke. He referred to Twitter, the social media, as "Twittle-do, Twittle-dee."

He also could be abrasive and stubborn, and had his share of run-ins with his bosses or administrators. And as his legend grew, so did the attention to his on-field decisions, and the questions about when he would retire.

Calls for his retirement reached a crescendo in 2004. The next year, Penn State went 11-1 and won the Big Ten. In the Orange Bowl, PSU beat Florida State, whose coach, Bobby Bowden, left the Seminoles after the 2009 season after 34 years and 389 wins.

Like many others, he was outlasted by "JoePa."

GENARO C. ARMAS
AP Sports Writer


Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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December 25, 2024

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December 24, 2024

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December 9, 2024

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2273 Entries

Phil Atio

December 25, 2024

The only thing more intense than the “four” play scheme was the main event. It was all hands on deck!

Lance Shotland

December 24, 2024

We always enjoyed the Italian sausage, raw and uncut. Karen and I knew we were about and around love. He taught us to treasure the better things. Reach for the stars!

Len Sziemenski

December 9, 2024

A giggle, a smile, a silly joke. He was a tough cookie with a heart of gold. Pennsylvania Pizza was our haunt!

scott bordas

November 13, 2024

JoPa , I first met you when I was a Jr. in high school , working 4 WPHB in philipsburg , interviewed u in ur rec hall office , I was nervous , you put me at ease , the nicest man I ever met , loved you has a coach , when I was 9 , in person when I was 18 , admired you all my life , still do "Coach bless you , you are in a better place

Scottie bordas
ur number 1 fan

Michael McKweary

November 3, 2024

We knew he was listening. Always knew.

Vertik Elesmile

July 5, 2024

He knew how to tip the velvet. Thankful!

Verónica Lozada

January 22, 2024

Lo recordamos siempre con mucho cariño, un gran amigo de mi padre y un gran mentor indirectamente de todo nuestro equipo. Desde Mexico. We are because he was. With love from Mexico. Lozada's family.

Lori Naylor

January 22, 2024

Joe was a model of a man. He was taken from this world way too soon.

Linda Hawkins

January 22, 2024

Coach, thank you for helping me with my paralyzed student, for giving my own son a $1,000 scholar/athlete award, and for being who you were. We loved and admired you and your wife. Linda Hawkins

Jack, Moran

November 1, 2023

I was the paper boy to the Paterno home. It wasn´t two years later, I realized the greatness of the man who joked with me and made me feel special. He was special to so many thank you Joe we all miss you.

Susan Faver

June 25, 2019

I am sorry I took all this time to find this site...looking for a way to memorialize my Mom who passed 6/17/19, I found this. Thank you dear JoePa for giving me 26 years of memories and more to come. YOU have made Happy Valley ZOUR home for my son ('98 alum), my husband, and I

Steve Skvarka

May 29, 2014

There will never be another Coach like Joe Paterno. You are Penn State! May you rest in Peace.

MaryLou Novitski

March 6, 2014

Thank you so much Coach for all you did to make PSU great. YOU are always in our hearts and we hear you in the winds blowing in the fall.

Dan Hall

March 5, 2014

Coach, Thanks for making an impact on the lives of millions of Penn Staters throughout the world.

Shawn Early

March 5, 2014

Joe you've always been an inspiration to us and made Penn State what it is today. You will always be in our hearts and deeply missed, as they say, "We Are" because you were.

Connie Hassinger

March 5, 2014

You did make Penn State a better place. We are Penn State because of you!

Margaret Brooks

March 5, 2014

Joe will always be remembered for all the good he did and the millions of lives he touched in some way. He will always be loved and missed.

Eric Herrold

March 5, 2014

To the memory of who you are and what you meant to us ALL, I have but two words...THANK YOU!

Jill Boulanger

March 5, 2014

Joe,
Thank you so much for all that you did for everyone.You were truly one of the greatest men and coaches that ever lived.You will be in my heart forever and my love,thoughts and prayers are always with you and your family.Thank you Joe and may you rest in sweet,blessed peace.

Carol Zacher

March 5, 2014

Always in my heart.

my kids and I before a blue white game

Terri Vogel

March 5, 2014

You are missed!! I cried the day you died like you were a part of my family, I admired you from the time I was a kid, you were more than a football coach, You were somebody to look up to, for all you have done for the community . Thank you for being you!

Hugh

March 5, 2014

We remember! You are never forgotten.

March 5, 2014

For Joe

Dee Englehart

March 5, 2014

Thank you Joe for dedicating your life to the students and fans at Penn State University. You will live on in the hearts of everyone whose lives you touched as a coach, an educator, and as a man. You will always be the head of the Penn State family.

M L Olds

March 5, 2014

You may be gone from sight but you will NEVER be gone from our hearts & minds!!
We miss you JoPa409

TinA Fulton

March 5, 2014

You were Penn State Football. Since i was a little girl going to the Penn State games with my father. Everone admired you for you down to earth personality and you wanted the kids to get a good education and keep up on their grades as well as enjoy playing football. You were one of a kind man like my dad, they dont make them like you anymore. We will miss you and love you always Joe Pa. Tell my dad i said Hi

Brenda McCardle

March 5, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Brian Hassinger

March 5, 2014

You did make Penn State a better place, and thank you for the help that spring day when I fell.

February 19, 2014

God Bless you! [email protected]

Dakota Kalis

February 6, 2014

I will always remember your legacy in no matter what :) I am Sooners fan. I still admired for what you had done for Penn State University. You taught me how to stay loyalty with one team.

Danielsville

January 25, 2014

George Smith

January 16, 2014

We will miss you.

January 6, 2014

treasureillustarted.com misses the king of Football

Daniel Williamson

September 23, 2013

We miss you! [email protected]

Mick Dundee

September 18, 2013

Sean Rogert

September 15, 2013

Anyone want to email? [email protected]

Zav Half

June 18, 2013

God bless you
Zav from ?????? ?????

January 14, 2013

s

December 26, 2012

I will miss you and the fun times spent together planning the event. Your sprit will live on forever.
John Henry Jr.

Kathy

November 24, 2012

Gone, but never forgotten. The boys put another win on the books today, you would surely have been so proud of these kids. This years team is the epitome of "Success with Honor". Great job, Coach.

J K

November 24, 2012

The boys did you proud today - we miss you!!!

virginia oldt

September 20, 2012

Penn State is my very large extended family and Joe Paterno continues to be the Patriarch of that family for me. There is a reason he was and continues to be held in high esteem by so very many. He wanted people to be the best they could be. You are missed but your good is not forgotten.

I AM SO PROUD.

joseph bedway

September 10, 2012

I was a freshman at Penn State in 1954 and i went to the HUB with a football player named Sam Valatine who I met in one of my classes. He was motioned over to a table by Joe Paterno. They had an interesting football conversation about changing Sam from fulback to center. I did not pay much attention to the conversation, but i was impressed with his knowledge of football.This was my first meeting with Joe Paterno.
I love all the Paterno family and still cannot believe what has happened.

Kathy And Al Olbeter

September 5, 2012

We continue to lift the Paterno family up in prayer. May God grant you peace and may memories of your loved one comfort you.

DEDRA SOBOL

August 24, 2012

DEAR JOE I WILL MISS YOUR SMILELING FACE REST IN PEACE I LOVE YOU JOE PATERNO

Bob M

June 17, 2012

Happy Fathers Day

Sue

June 14, 2012

A day does not go by without thoughts of JoePa. I loved him
and truly thank the family for sharing him with us. May God continue to Love , Bless and Comfort our beloved Paterno Family. " We Are .... Forever A Family"

Margaret Brooks

May 22, 2012

I am truly sorry for your loss. This is a loss that will effect a lot of people that you or Joe don't even know, but we feel we know you and him. He was a big part of most of our lives every Saturday in the fall. We could also count on being entertained and proud on January 1, also. I hope you will accept and understand the condolences from sooo many strangers.

Paul Nederostek

April 21, 2012

Now there is only 6 days in a week. Saturdays will never be the same.

Jeff Nibert '81

March 14, 2012

Joe Paterno was an amazing man with all the qualities anyone could ever want in a friend or associate. I was 6 years old when Joe became head coach and have never known a time when he was not coach at Penn State. I met him twice -- once as a student in Rec Hall when he held a door open for me (the second time I met him, he jokingly told me that had been his second job at the time). I think that was the one year he was also AD.

Sue and the entire Paterno family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Larry & Rosie Feuerstein

February 27, 2012

JoePa & family:

Our prayers and sympathy are with you. We say good bye to you Joe; our hearts are heavy.

February 26, 2012

Our blue and white hearts ache for you all. What an amazing man! Always a part of our lives... God Bless Joe Paterno!

Lipz, Rosie, and Boom

February 25, 2012

We loved u Joe. God bless you. RIP Thoughts and prayers are with the Paterno family

The Trexler Family

February 14, 2012

To the Paterno Family,
Our hearts are bleeding blue and white mourning the loss of a truly unique man. Both of our sons graduated from Penn State and those 7 years were some of the best years of our lifes! The memorial service gave us a deeper insight to JoePa--his generosity, his inspiration to countless people and the love he had for his "Penn State Family." Our prayers are with all of you. Thank you for sharing JoePa with all of us.

February 13, 2012

My condolences to the family. May the God of all comfort bind your broken heart. (Psalms 147:3)

Hilda

scott thomas

February 12, 2012

your a legend joe rip

Sally Gillespie Dawson

February 12, 2012

My deepest sympathy to Sue and the ENTIRE Paterno/Penn State Family. I didn't attend Penn State (I went to Edinboro State/Edinboro University of PA) but was always a huge Penn State fan BECAUSE of JoePa! He is 7 months older than my Dad (may he rest in peace)but I always felt a connection to JoePa because of my Dad. They were both 'children of the depression'. My Dad was in the Navy during WWII. My husband and I will return to NW PA (Erie) after he retires from the US Army with 26 years of Active Duty service. Hooah to JoePa and the Paterno Family. May he rest in peace. He was a Superb human being. I wish I could have met him. With much Love,

G. Martin

February 10, 2012

My deepest sympathy to the Paterno family. I read several pages of the entries in JoPa's guest book, but my family has something else to remember what Joe and Sue did for Penn State. My grand daughter graduates in May from Penn State and during her past almost four years - she has spent many many hours in the Library that Joe and Sue have supported and made it what it is today. She had a lovely apartment to study in, but countless times when she answered my phone calls - I found her in the library. She was quite surprised when she found the library closed at 7 o'clock on a Friday night.
When this was mentioned to her mother -
her mother replied "how many students go to the library on a Friday night?" Thank you from the bottom of our hearts Sue and Joe for a magnificant learning and studying area for all the Penn State students. Joe Paterno and his lovely wife Sue were more than a lot of people knew - they truly were in to the education of the students. With love, sympathy and my gratitude -

Myrna Everly

February 5, 2012

Dear Paterno family,
Our deepest sympathy to all of the Paterno family. JoePa will be missed!
Myrna and Bill Everly

David Hagenbaugh

February 4, 2012

Dearest Paterno Family,
May the Good Lord Bless your family. JoePa is an icon and will forever be my role model in life. I regret never having the opportunity to meet him. WE ARE FOREVER PSU and will never forget JVP!

February 3, 2012

our deepest sympathy to the Paterno family. He will always be the Vince Lumbardi of college foot ball and will be missed.

Gwen McLaurin

February 2, 2012

Paterno Family,

Everyone loved Joe Pa. What a great man. We will never forget him or his contributions to so many lives.

Memories are the legacy of love. May happy memories carry you through this sorrowful time.

Fan Of Joe Paterno

Josie Iatomasi

February 1, 2012

For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son,that who so ever believeth in him shall not perih But have everlasting life.John:16 May God fill your sad hearts will hope in the ressrection And heal your broken hearts.

Steve Setar

February 1, 2012

God Bless you "Joe Pa"
We will miss you very much!
"WE ARE PENN STATE"

Judy Belsome

February 1, 2012

I am verry sorry for your loss

Shawn Ochoa

February 1, 2012

I am very sorry for your loss.

Gloria Kestranek

February 1, 2012

To the Paterno Family,

So sorry for your loss and the grief at Penn State and the State of Affairs.

It was a wonderful experience going to a Penn State game when my son attended college at State Park. Fond memories

Gloria and Robert Kestranek, Brecksville, PA formerly (Upper St. Clair, Pa)

January 31, 2012

To the Paterno Family. So very sorry for your loss of a great family man and coach. No one can take away the wonderful things he did and stood for. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Marian & Rodney Schrock, Somerset, PA

Alice Wilcox

January 31, 2012

Just a wonderful man and humanitarian!! Let his work speak for him! God bless his family.A true legend.

Kathie Taylor

January 31, 2012

What a wonderful man. I love football and I love Penn State!!! My parents followed PS for many years in bowl games. My father had the privilege of meeting Joe Pa a number of years ago. They had the same birthday and by father was thrilled. He would send Joe birthday cards and even received one back. He will be a legend forever and will be missed.
Kathie Taylor, Mike and Dottie Kovalcin

Jeff Fanus

January 30, 2012

Joe you were greatness for college football. I think God has a great coach now in heaven. Rest in peace. Enjoy all who loved you and all to come to meet you one day.I can't wait to meet you when I get to the great beyond. You were blessed. Say hi to my dad. He was a great Penn State fan and loved Joe

Marge

January 29, 2012

I have never been a football fan and I did not know who Joe Paterno was, but I certainly have become a fan of JoePa since I have learned of his 61 years with Penn State.
God bless you JoePa and may your family be comforted by the many wonderful memories you have left them with.

Dottie Bowser

January 29, 2012

Rest in peace JoePa, You are going to be deeply missed.You made Penn State what it is today You are Penn State. My heart and Prayers go out to your family.We Love and Miss You

Carol S

January 28, 2012

My son received his engineering degree from PSU in 2007 and my daughter, currently a chair for THON will graduate in May. Joe Paterno and his family have had a hand in the success of my children. I thank you all and pray for your peace. Joe's contributions to all of Penn State are immeasurable. And although I am not a Penn State grad myself, I will miss him. The students and many others whose lives he touched will continue to live in accord with all that he taught and stood for, in his honor.

Mary Ann

January 28, 2012

Rest in peace JoePa! You will be missed so much! I have loved your Penn State football teams since I was a young girl. No one will ever take the place of you.

Lisa and Daren Bonar

January 28, 2012

My husband graduated from Penn State in 1991. He was a fan of Joe's from a very young age. When he took me to Penn State for the first time and and told me all about Joe, I was a fan from the start. Even though I am not a graduate of Penn State, I was so sad when he passed away. I felt like I knew him personally, as did so many others. What a gift it is for a person to touch so many lives. We will miss him so much! What a great life he lived! Our thoughts are with the Paterno family during this very hard time.... Lisa and Daren Bonar (Hackettstown, NJ)

Joe Mundo, BSCE '65

January 28, 2012

Joe Paterno was my Phys Ed instructor in my Freshman Year - 1961.....seemed like a good guy at the time.......and he certainly was !!!
Best wishes to his family and may God bless him

David Guzy

January 28, 2012

I never played on his teams but his influence on me is tremendous. I raised my children on his teachings and although they attend college at Florida schools they both consider themselves Penn Staters. Thank you for your inspiration.

Michael&Donna Spalek

January 28, 2012

To the Paterno Family. We are sad at your loss. Please know you are all in our Prayer's. Thank's for shareing Joe with all of us! And to Joe thank's for everything!

david guyllette

January 27, 2012

THE GREATEST COACH OF ALL TIMES WILL BE MISS.REST IN PEACE JOEPA YOUR MEMORY WILL LIVE ON FOREVER

Barbara Fleming

January 27, 2012

The Lion will be weeping for many, many years.

We will miss you, Joe.

Ken Roth '64

January 27, 2012

To the Paterno Family:

JoePa was a man of integrity and an inspiration to all. He will be sadly missed by those of us who value honor and decency. He was an outstanding coach, humanitarian, husband, father and grandfather. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Melissa Zelinski

January 27, 2012

I have been a Penn State fan my whole life. All that I have known is Joe Paterno. Any true Penn State fan knows that Coach Paterno IS Penn State. His legacy will live on forever. My heart goes out to the whole Paterno family during this sad, sad time. Thank you Joe for setting the best example that anyone can set in regards to respect, commitment, but most importantly, loyalty. You will be forever missed. God made the sky blue and the clouds white for a reason, and that reason is you. I love you JoePa...you will be in my heart forever. May you rest in peace.

allison bowe

January 27, 2012

my condolnces go out to the paturno family

DEDRA SOBOL

January 27, 2012

DEAR SUE IAM SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF YOURE BELOVED JOE HE WAS A GREAT LEADER FOR THE TEAM A GREAT HUSBAND AND FATHER AND GRANDFATHER IF YOU WANT TO TALK TO ME HERE IS MY CELL PHONE NUMBER 4842266731

Janice Pitoniak

January 27, 2012

I am so deeply saddened at the loss of Joe Paterno. I did not know the man, the legend. But just from watching him and now from hearing from so many people about the kind of man he was....all I can say is how lucky everyone who crossed his path or had the honor of knowing this angel of a man is. I wish I had the honor to have known him. To his family...my deepest condolences. I will pray for you all for you to get through this. He will be so truly missed!!! God Bless you all. Rest in peace Joe

Patty & Vince Kondash

January 27, 2012

Ever since I was a teenager I loved Penn State football and Joe Paterno. He taught all of us lessons on how we should live our lives. He was a great football coach but more importantly he was a great person. Our love and prayers go out to the whole Paterno family during this difficult time. Thanks for the memories, coach-We love you and we will miss you always.

Joseph Moody

January 27, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Carl Lahr

January 27, 2012

We honor your extraordinary, exemplary life that was a gift to your wife, children, grandchildren, players, fellow coaches, fans, and the millions of lives you served as an example and inspiration to.
Thank you for teaching us family first.
Thank you for teaching us to be a team player.
Thank you for teaching us the importance of loyalty.
Thanks you for teaching us to do it the right way, with honor and class.
And most of all thank you for mentoring us to help others around us be better.
Our family, Carl Lahr('80), Beth Lahr Nard('82), Ginni Lahr Dumars('87) and Patrick Nard('12) were fortunate to share a part of your life and all that you strove for.
Your spirit and ideals will endure in the hearts, minds, and lives of all those who embrace the Paterno Way.
Thank you for helping make our family, Penn State and the world a better place.

Kevin Caden

January 27, 2012

Joe will always be one of my heroes, he has meant so much to college football, and as a lifetime Penn State fan. He will remain in my heart as head football coach at Penn State, forever! Love you JoePa, thank you for all the memories and inspiration. God Bless You and your Family!

January 27, 2012

Dear Paterno family, I pray for all of you in the loss of a one of the greatest men in the history of college football. I always looked forward to seeing JoePa on the sidelines,with his pants rolled up. He was an inspiration to all! Going to a Penn State Football game will never seem the same without him. May God Bless
all his family. He's up there in Heaven looking down and saying to all of us.
WE ARE PENN STATE!
Fondly, Peg Roscello, Torrington, CT

Jean

January 27, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with the Paterno family. I never met JoePa but always wanted to, he seemed to be a very special person.

Sharlene Johnson '80

January 27, 2012

To the Paterno family,

I am sorry for your loss. May God comfort you and give you peace.

Tom Marshall

January 27, 2012

You are PENN STATE!

Susan

January 27, 2012

To the Members of Coach Joe Paterno's Family:

Thank you for sharing your husband, father, and grandfather with the entire country during these past fifty years. Three generations of my family members are mourning the loss of your beloved Joe.

Our respect, admiration, and adoration of Coach Paterno extend far beyond his accomplishments in football. He was the shaper of young lives, a philanthropist, a scholar in black Nike shoes, and the ultimate proof that nice guys really do finish first. His impact upon the entire Penn State community and upon tens of thousands of fans who celebrated not just his wins, but also his sense of morality and integrity, will continue to have ripple effects for generations to come.

We have no doubt that the Lord welcomed your beloved Joe into the kingdom of heaven on Sunday with these words: "Welcome Home, my good and faithful servant." May God bless the entire Paterno family with thousands of memories to sustain you and the joyful certainty that you will one day be reunited with your beloved Joe.

Tyler Watkins

January 27, 2012

You Will Be missed Joe! We are PENN STATE!

Tyler Watkins

January 27, 2012

Dear Paterno family, I have prayed for the family for the past 5 days and I plan to keep praying for yall to have strength, courage and the ability to go through this hard times with the passing of Mr. Paterno. He is in heaven looking down on every single one of you and he is proud of you. He was a Great father, a great Coach at PSU, last but not least he was a Great person. Remember the good times u have had with Mr. Joe. I Love every single one of you.. He will NEVER be forgotten! Love ya Mr. Joe Paterno! See ya soon! God Bless

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