STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) — Community residents have scheduled a vigil Tuesday to remember former Penn State coach Joe Paterno a year after his death.
A family spokesman says the family won’t be involved and intends to remain in privacy. Paterno died of lung cancer on Jan. 22, 2012, at age 85, two months after being fired by the school in the aftermath of the child sex abuse scandal involving former assistant coach Jerry Sandusky.
Paterno and a reputation tarnished by the scandal remain sensitive topics for factions of alumni, former players, staffers and residents in Happy Valley.
Some critics are upset with the way the school handled his departure, or the ensuing investigation that levied shocking accusations. Others say his entire body of work and off-field contributions to Penn State should be remembered.
