Remembering JoePa: Share Your Memories

Penn State coaching legend Joe Paterno died on Sunday morning at age 85.

Paterno died of metastatic small cell carcinoma of the lung at 9:25 a.m. Sunday surrounded by family, according to a statement from the hospital he was in, Mount Nittany Medical Center at State College.

The Paterno family released a statement following his death:

"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)."

The Penn State Board of Trustees and University President Rodney Erickson released this statement:

"We grieve for the loss of Joe Paterno, a great man who made us a greater university. His dedication to ensuring his players were successful both on the field and in life is legendary and his commitment to education is unmatched in college football. His life, work and generosity will be remembered always.

"The university plans to honor him for his many contributions and to remember his remarkable life and legacy. We are all deeply saddened. We are considering appropriate ways to honor the great life and legacy of Joe Paterno. The university's Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is consulting with members of the Penn State community on the nature and timing of the gathering."

Governor Tom Corbett issued the following statement upon learning of Paterno's death:

"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.

"His place in our state's history is secure."

What are your thoughts on Joe Paterno's death? Share your memories and condolences in the comments.