Happy Valley is saddened by the stunning news that Joe Paterno has passed away.

Paterno, 85, had been battling lung caner since early November. He died Sunday morning at Mount Nittany Medical Center. His family released a statement announcing his death.

“His loss leaves a void in our lives that will never be filled,” the statement said.

Those sentiments echoed throughout state college as people gathered at Paterno’s statue outside of Beaver Stadium.

“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’s success on and off the field can’t be denied.

Paterno won 409 games, had 37 bowl appearances and won two national championships. He sent more than 250 players to the NFL and always had a top-notch graduation rate.

Paterno was fired on November 9 because of a child sex abuse scandal involving long time assistant Jerry Sandusky.

Paterno expressed tremendous sorrow by the abuse case.

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

Mat Millien, a former player under Paterno, said he believe coach died of a broken heart, a sentiment that was shared by other former Penn State players.

Paterno’s legacy was like a book filled with a thousand pages. Even though the last chapter was filled with turmoil and regret, it doesn’t or shouldn’t retract from his storied legacy.

I had the privilege of meeting Paterno in 2009. I was an assistant coach at Kentucky Christian University; I attended Penn State’s spring practices. Coach Paterno walked onto the practice field with his rolled up pant legs. One of the graduate assistants introduced me and I was astonished by his humility. He knew my name, the college I represented and the position that I coached.

I went to state college that week as a young coach but also as a partial fan. He autographed a football for me, let me attend the team meetings and made me feel like a part of the Penn State family.

I will be forever grateful to coach Paterno and even though he probably didn’t know how he affected my life with his hospitality; I am only one of thousands of people that he affected.

To his wife Sue and the entire Paterno family, I am a better person because of Joe and no amount of gratitude or sorrow can be expressed in this trying hour.

—————

Chris Slone is a sports fan, former football coach and reporter for The Tribune. He can be reached at (740) 532-1441 ext. 14 or chris.slone@irontontribune.com.