Penn State faithful mourn Paterno’s passion, but celebrate his life
(MedleyStory) Mon, January 23, 2012, 2:26 AM

Within 15 minutes after family members confirmed that Joe Paterno passed away Sunday morning, fans starting flocking to the 7-foot-tall bronze statue outside Beaver Stadium to honor the beloved coach. By mid-afternoon, thousands of alumni, students and football fans from across the state were in Happy Valley, many wiping away tears and leaving keepsakes, flowers and candles at the base of the statue.After students joined in an impromptu rendition of the alma matter, Penn State senior Arianna Papa told 6News that fans are struggling to find the words to honor the irreplaceable icon. “When I came to Penn State, I really didn’t understand. But as soon as you were in his presence, it all clicked,” said Papa. “He’s not going to be forgotten after the next game. He’s not going to be forgotten, I think, ever.”Graduate Carrie Voutsas said the Nittany Nation is still frustrated after swirling reports on social media erroneously reported that the 85-year-old died Sunday night, which was later corrected by family members. “You knew it was going to happen sometime, but it doesn’t make it any easier. Nothing can prepare you for it,” said Voutsas. Penn State Senior David Marselles brought his beloved Paterno cardboard cutout to the memorial and told 6News that he looked up to JoePa since he was 5-years-old. “I got it when times were still called good. Everything was kind of flourishing at Penn State. Joe Paterno was still the head coach,” said Marselles. He’s always been my role model. Now it’s such a tragedy. It’s like a surreal thing,”Members of the Paterno family asked that donations be made to the Special Olympics of PA or THON in lieu of flowers.

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