The death of a legend

STATE COLLEGE, PA- Joe Paterno, known for being the most successful coach in major college football history, passed away Sunday morning, surrounded by family, said State College’s Mount Nittany Medical Center in a statement.  Shortly after losing his battle to lung cancer, Paterno’s family made the initial announcement in a statement:

"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."

Paterno will be remembered by all for being the most successful Division I coach in the history of college football, but his memory is also tarnished by the scandal that surrounded his last days at the university. The news of Paterno’s lung cancer came shortly after the university’s Board of Trustees voted to fire him because of the child sex-abuse scandal involving Jerry Sandusky, who was an assistant on Paterno's Penn State staff.

The end of his career was full of shocking events but throughout his time coaching, Paterno built a strong reputation as a caring man both on the field and in life.

Penn State's board of trustees and President Rodney Erickson said in a 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."

Although Paterno is mostly remembered for his success in sports, which include posting 11 or more victories in 13 seasons, winning a record 24 bowl games and seeing more than 250 of his former players make the NFL, he will also be remembered for his philanthropy. Paterno and his family gave more that $4 million to the school during his tenure, which helped fund scholarships as well as support two building projects.

Remembered as a giving man as well as a legendary coach, Paterno will be greatly missed by not only friends and family, but by all of the fans that cheered him along his journey to the most successful college football coach in history.

Facebook post: The world of college football mourns the loss of the most successful coach of all time- Joe Paterno. After fighting lung cancer while trying to maintain a positive reputation in light of scandal, Paterno passed away Sunday morning. For more information click here.

Sources:

http://www.cnn.com/2012/01/22/us/pennsylvania-obit-paterno

http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/story/2012-01-21/former-penn-state-coach-joe-paterno-dead/52737230/1