Penn State coaching legend Joe Paterno dies at 85
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – Joe Paterno, the longtime Penn State
coach who won more games than anyone in major college football, died Sunday of
lung cancer. He was 85.
“His loss leaves a void in our lives that will never be
filled,” released in a statement Sunday morning by his family to announce his
death.
“He died as he lived,” the statement said. “He fought hard
until the end, stayed positive, though 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, and his community.”
The Pennsylvania hospital where Paterno died conformed the
cause of death as a spreading lung cancer.
Mount Nittany Medical Center said in a statement that
Paterno died at 9:25 a.m. Sunday of “metastatic small cell carcinoma of the
lung.” Metastatic indicated an illness that has spread from one part of the
body to an unrelated area.
The hospital said Paterno was surrounded by family members,
who have requested privacy.
Former U.S. President George H.W. Bush also released a
statement.
“I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Joe
Paterno,” Bush said. “He was an outstanding American who was respected not only
on the field of play but in life generally -- and he was, without a doubt, a
true icon in the world of sports. I was proud that he was a friend of mine.
Barbara and I send our condolences to his devoted wife Suzanne and to his
wonderful family.”
Joe made an incredible impact, these last 61 years. That
impact has been felt and appreciated by our family in the form of thousands of
letter and well wishes along with countless acts of kindness from people whose
lives he touched.
He leaves us with his “living legacy” of five kids, 17
grandchildren, and hundreds of men whose lives he changed in more ways than can
begin to be counted.
The family requests, in lieu of flowers or gifts, that
donations be made to the Special Olympics of Pennsylvania or the Penn
State-THON, The Penn State IFC/Penhellenic Dance Marathon.
Accompanying Facebook Post:
Hello Addie,
ReplyDeleteThis is a great press release that you have done. I feel you hit the nail on the head when you added some quotes from very important people. Great post this week!
Hi Addie, your press release is to the point!
ReplyDeleteI like the fact that it focuses on highlighting about the death. However, I would have added one sentence mentioning the event that he has been known for prior to his death, which is the sex abuse scandal he has been partially blamed for.
Hi Addie, your press release is to the point!
ReplyDeleteI like the fact that it focuses on highlighting about the death. However, I would have added one sentence mentioning the event that he has been known for prior to his death, which is the sex abuse scandal he has been partially blamed for.