Rest in Peace JoePa, We'll Miss You

Rest in peace Joe. We'll miss you and your amazing insight. Thank you for so many memories. In this time, we look to remember the man and his positive accomplishments.

Three Days of Public Memorial Events in Happy Valley - Parking Information - Tickets for Memorial Service (or call 1-800-NITTANY for tickets) - Also, watch the service live on the Big Ten Network, at BTN.com and on BTN2Go

Photos of JoePa though the years

Family statement on the passing of Joe Paterno

Great article on ESPN - Joe Paterno's True Legacy

Email us (email to jake@happyvalley.com) your letters to JoePa and we'll post them.

Letter to Joe - The Torch of Honor - by Michele Kelly

Letter to Joe - 9 Year Old Catalina Thornburg

Letter to Joe - Always a Lion by Ken Miller

Letter to Joe - A Fan

Letter to Joe - Bruce Troxell

Letter to Joe - Tribute to a Great Coach by Kim 

Letter to Joe - JoePa the Educator by Stacy Olexy

Letter to Joe by Holly Phillips

Letter to Joe - Grew up PSU by Barb

Here's one from a Penn State student.

Dear Joe,

As I write this letter to you, I have tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat. Why is that? You don’t know me personally but I know you, and you have touched my life in ways that you might not know.

I came to Happy Valley in 1998 when I began my college career pursuing my bachelor’s degree. Now, as I am finishing my doctorate, I can hardly believe that this is happening – it is surreal. I want you to know, and I am sure that you do, how much you have meant to my life and to this community.

Here are a couple of things that I have learned from you:

1. Be Humble – You have taught me to about humility. You have always been a kind, generous, and humble man. You have led your life simply and by an example. Even though you could have any house you want and succumb to materialism, you have chosen to life in a simple, ordinary rancher on McKee Street.

2. Care for Others – You truly care for this community, and that is evident not only in your generous gifts to the University but also in your every day acts. My younger brother, a senior this year, tells a story about how you always would say hi to others and him on the golf course or on campus. While this act may seem small, it makes a difference in the lives of others.

3. Strive for Excellence – You have pushed your players and Penn State students to give their best and excel “both on and off the field.” Your emphasis on education is commendable and inspiring. As an educator I know firsthand how believing in students and showing confidence in their abilities helps people to reach their potential.

4. Family Matters – I have watched how loyal you are to your family and how loyal they are to you. Family is so important, and you have shown me that quality.

5. Live by Example – Joe, I know that you have always tried to live your life by the highest standards and you challenged me to do so as well. Despite all that has happened over the last couple of months, you have placed forgiveness in your heart and have asked others to do so.

Reports are coming out now that you are no longer with us. Know though, Joe, that even though you are not here with us on Earth, your spirit and life lessons live on in each of the hundreds of thousands of Penn Staters whose lives you have touched. You will always be remembered by your Penn State Family. Thank you, Joe, for all that you have done for this University, for the student body, and for me personally.

We love you, Joe,
A Student

Quotes from Former Players We've Compiled

"I can tell you that virtually all of the players he's touched in 50 years as an assistant and head coach have been enriched by the experience," former quarterback Todd Blackledge said in the forward to Quotable Joe, a book of quotations by and about Paterno. "I consider myself, and I know my teammates and Penn State players past and present feel likewise, a better person for having played for Joe Paterno."

LaVar Arrington, one of the 32 NFL first-round draft choices to come through Paterno's Penn State program, was a two-time All-America selection and won the 1999 Butkus Award as the nation's top linebacker as well as the Maxwell Club's Chuck Bednarik Award, presented to the top collegiate defensive player.

"If you're not a man when you get there, you'll be a man before you leave," Arrington said of his Penn State experience. "Joe has his system so that you're prepared for life. Joe trains you more mentally than physically so that nothing will rattle you."

The Career of a Legend

Most Career Bowl Wins - 24
Most Career Wins - 409

Became Head Coach - 1966
Undefeated Season - 1968
Undefeated Season - 1969
Undefeated Season - 1973
National Championship - 1982
National Championship - 1986
Undefeated Season - 1986
Big Ten Championship - 1994
Undefeated Season - 1994
Big Ten Championship - 2005
Inducted to College Football Hall of Fame - 2007
Big Ten Championship - 2008

Way Back When

Photo: Annemarie Mountz