Joe Paterno has died: official statement from the family

A. Isaac Senior Editor

Joe Paterno has passed away at the age of 85 according to his family. They have released a statement, which is provided here by the Associated Press.

Full text of statement by the Paterno family on the death of Joe Paterno:

It is with great sadness that we announce that Joe Paterno passed away earlier today. His loss leaves a void in our lives that will never be filled.

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.

He has been many things in his life – a soldier, scholar, mentor, coach, friend and father. To my mother he was and is her soul mate, and the last several weeks have shown the strength of their love. To his children and grandchildren he is a shining example of how to live a good, decent and honest life, a standard to which we aspire.

When he decided to forego a career in law and make coaching his vocation, his father Angelo had but one command: Make an impact.

As the last 61 years have shown, Joe made an incredible impact. 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.

And so he leaves us with a peaceful mind, comforted by his “living legacy” of five kids, 17 grandchildren, and hundreds of young men whose lives he changed in more ways than can begin to be counted.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests that donations be made to the Special Olympics of Pennsylvania or the Penn State-THON, The Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon.

Obviously, the last days of Paterno’s life were full of controversy. It was only 73 days ago that the Penn State Board of Trustees relieved him of his duties for his role in the Jerry Sandusky scandal. Alumni, former players and even current students rallied in support of him, but the administration stood firm in their decision.

ESPN is getting reactions from the football world, including that of analyst Matt Millen who had this to say:

“I just can’t help but think that he died of a broken heart…and that bothers me.”

Sad but true.

R.I.P. JoePa

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