FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact Information:

Paterno Family

832-000-0000

Joe Paterno's Family Announces that he has fought a good fight, but he lived a great life

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Pennsylvania, January 23, 2012:  It is with greatest sadness that we come before you to confirm the death of our beloved Joe Paterno. Sadly, Joe has lost his battle with  lung cancer after being hospitalized since January 13. Joe passed away in hospital on January 22, 2012, at the age of 85 and was surrounded  by friends and family.  We must say, "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."

Although, there were false accusations surrounding Joe's death, on various websites a day before his actual death. Media outlets such as CBSSports.com and Onward State reported erroneously and prematurely, reporting Joe's death on Saturday. The reports were repeating the false report of a student web site called Onward State that covers the Penn State community. It turns out that Onward State received the false information on Joe's death from an email that turn out to be a hoax.


Joe Paterno posted 11 or more victories in 13 seasons, won a record 24 bowl games and saw more than 250 of his former players make the NFL, he will also be remembered for his philanthropy. He and his wife and children gave the university $3.5 million in 1998 to endow faculty positions and scholarships and in support of two building projects. The Paterno's contributed more than $4 million to the school during his tenure, and the coach's well-rounded lifestyle, which included interest in literature and opera, was unique. "How many football coaches majored in English literature at an Ivy League School?" former PSU athletics director and longtime Paterno friend Jim Tarman once asked. " I think the fact that he has such a broad range of interests is one of the reasons our football program has been different. "It all came crashing down in stunning fashion in the fall of 2011, however, causing many of Joe's critics to cry that the coach had too much power. In what is regarded as perhaps college athletics' greatest scandal, all the wins and all the bowls weren't enough to allow Joe to go out on his own terms.

If more information regarding the funeral services, please visit Joe's Funeral Services.

 

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