UNIVERSITY PARK — It was the day so many people dreaded.
Penn State faithful could not sit at home.
They felt compelled to visit the shrine and the House that Joe Built.
With sounds of “Dear Old State” in the background, thousands came to the statue leaving flowers, cards and a piece of their hearts to honor Joe Paterno and remember his incredible legacy.
“When I came to Penn State, I really didn’t understand”, said Arianna Papa. “But as soon as you were in his presence it all clicked.”
Papa is a senior at University Park.
She joined in the impromptu chorus of Penn State’s Alma Mater.
Families embraced and lifelong fans choked back tears, while candles burned as bright as Joe Paterno’s spirit.
Papa believes his memory won’t fade away.
“He’s not going to be forgotten after the next game. He’s not going to be forgotten, I think, ever.”
Carrie Voutsas graduated from Penn State in 2003.
Like so many she sees Paterno as a father figure.
“You knew it was going to happen sometime but it doesn’t make it any easier”, said Voutsas. “Nothing can prepare you for it.”
David Marselles brought his beloved Paterno cardboard cutout as he stopped by the statue to say good bye to the man he admired since he was just 5 years old.
“He was kind of my role model, he’s always been my role model. Now it’s just such a tragedy, it’s like a surreal thing.”
Among the mixed emotions of grief and disbelief is a small sliver of peace and relief for the 85-year-old and his family who encountered so much in recent months.
Dr. James Godlewski made the trip from Wilkes-Barre, “As much as we hate to see Joe go, we know that he’s in a better place. We don’t pray for him. We pray to him. He is a saint.”
Instead of flowers the Paterno family is asking people to contribute to the Special Olympics of Pennsylvania or Thon, two organizations near and dear to Joe and Sue Paterno.
