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Uplifting final farewell to Joe Paterno (pics, video)

Richard Webster's photo
Harford County Education Headlines Examiner

A heart-breaking but often uplifting final tribute to Joe Paterno took place yesterday on the Penn State campus.  Thousands of mourners attended "A Memorial For Joe" which honored the life and legacy of the man who gave 62 years to the betterment of State College, Penn State University and Penn State Football.

Highlights of the ceremony included a eulogy from Paterno’s son Jay, who said that the last words he spoke to his father included “Dad I love you, you’ve won, you’ve done enough, you can go home now.” (see video).

View slideshow: Final memorial for Joe Paterno, 01/26/2012

Jay Paterno concluded his remarks as the thousands in attendance held hands and recited the Lord’s Prayer together, in honor of how Joe Paterno said that same prayer in every locker room following every game that he ever coached.

A single trumpet player, clad in the iconic Blue Band uniform, stood before more than 10,000 members of the Penn State family, a family Joe Paterno had his hand in creating, and delivered an emotional rendition of "The Nittany Lion" to cap off a memorial for a legendary coach, leader and humanitarian in the Bryce Jordan Center on Thursday afternoon.  ~ per gopsusports

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According to Penn Live, the Paterno family has requested that in lieu of flowers or gifts, donations be made to the Special Olympics of Pennsylvania (http://www.specialolympicspa.org) or the Penn State THON (The Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon; at http://www.thon.org or by calling 800-392-THON). Donors are asked to indicate that gifts are being made in memory of Joe Paterno.

See this article's image gallery for memorable moments from "A Memorial For Joe"

  ~  Rest in Peace Joe.

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14 photos
Sue Paterno, widow of Joe Paterno, consoles her grandson

Slideshow: Final memorial for Joe Paterno, 01/26/2012

‘…Dad, you’ve won, you’ve done enough, you can go home now…’
‘…Dad, you’ve won, you’ve done enough, you can go home now…’
Photo credit: 
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Jay Paterno's shares the last words he had with his father.

Video: Jay Paterno's Last Words To Dad

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Richard Webster has been employed in Higher Education as an Instructional Designer, Facilities Coordinator and Adjunct Professor. Areas of interest include: The Learning Process, Web Design, Individualized Instruction, On-Line Education, Instructional Technology, and Public Heath and Safety."...

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