Following ex-Pennsylvania State University coach Joe Paterno’s death, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett said Sunday that “his place in our state’s history is secure.” According to USA Today, Mr. Paterno passed away at Mount Nittany Medical Center at the age of 85 Sunday from lung cancer.
“Susan and I were saddened to learn of Joe Paterno’s passing. His legacy as the
winningest coach in major college football and his generosity to Penn State as an institution and to his players, stand as monuments to his life. As both man and coach, Joe Paterno confronted adversities, both past and present, with grace and forbearance,” Mr. Corbett said.
Mr. Paterno’s family also commented on the death of college football’s legendary coach. “His loss leaves a void in our lives that will never be filled,” the Paterno family said in a statement, which was obtained by NBC Sports.
“He died as he lived. 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,” the Paterno family added.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Mr. Paterno began his career with Penn State University in 1950 and was put in charge of the university’s football program in 1966. During his time at Penn State, Mr. Paterno chalked up 409 victories and two national titles. He was also a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.
