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Abe Assad, Bethlehem, Pa., Class of 1986

We will miss you JoePa. I remember about 15 years ago when I was at a "Meet and Greet JoePa" banquet in Allentown, Pa. I was with my father, who was sitting at the dinner table. When JoePa walked in the room, I got in line, for a few autographs and on the third item that I handed Joe to autograph, JoePa told me, "Give someone else a chance." I said, "Joe, you are my idol." Then, Joe said, "I should NOT be your idol. Your father should be your idol." I told JoePa, "Thank you" and took a quick picture. I walked away and went to tell my dad what JoePa said, and dad just smiled at me. With JoePa saying that to me, he got me thinking about life and really appreciating my family. Thank you, JoePa.

Lance Anderson, Spring, Texas

I am greatly saddened by Joe Paterno's death and offer my condolences to everyone affected by this great human being. Paterno was the commencement speaker at my graduation in 1973, conveying his message for living a principled life all during a heavy rainstorm. Just last fall, a representative from PSU visited me, and I told him my commitment to my alma mater over the past 40 years had a lot to do with the presence of Paterno over that period and the pride he instilled in me.

ATP, San Francisco, Calif. Class of 1995

I'll never forget how you took five minutes to talk with a college junior, asking questions about my studies and my life. You were a teacher and father at heart. You will be missed.

Mary Ellen Marciano Ball, Jessup, Pa., Class of 1991

Our deepest heartfelt sympathy in your loss of a great husband, father, teacher, coach, humanitarian, and friend. I met Coach while I was at Penn State in the late '80s early '90s. I don't think he approved of how many students cut class that day to get an autographed copy of his book "Paterno: By the book." I believe it was a 4 or 5 hour wait. He spoke to each person individually as if he knew them in his own life. When it was my turn, he remembered meeting me when my brother, Joe Marciano, was one of his assistants. He asked about Joe and my parents and signed my book. It was worth the wait.

Coach Timothy Munn, Shortsville, N.Y.

Dear Paterno family: As a little boy in 1968, I wrote your dad telling him how much I wanted to be a Penn State football player and be a coach just like him. He wrote me back telling me the importance about school and family. Though I did not make it to Penn State I did play college ball in Pennsylvania and still in 2012 I am a high school football coach. Thanks, Coach Paterno, for having a great impact on me and so many others! May God hold you in the palm of his hand and may you Rest in Peace.

Tammy Peters, Navarre, Fla.

I grew up over the Nittany Mountain in Lewistown. When I was a pee-wee football cheerleader, Mr. Paterno and Matt Bahr came to speak at our awards banquet. He took the time to shake every child's hand and make everyone feel special. He has and will always be one of my role models and heroes. There will never be another Penn State coach to compare in our hearts. He has been and will forever be missed in State College and all of Pennsylvania.

Vonda Borger, Harrisburg, Pa.

I never met Joe in person, but I feel like he was part of my family. Joe was a strong, energetic man who put his heart and soul into what he did. He loved Penn State and made it a symbol of excellence. Joe has been the coach at Penn State my whole life and I will admire the grit and grace with which he handled every situation. He was a great man and I am proud that I was part of his legacy! Love and prayers!

Jack Miller, Pittsburgh, Pa.

My son chose PSU because you impressed him as a teacher more than a coach. Before he graduated, you not only answered his note thanking you for being his role model, but you met with him to thank him for recognizing teaching as your true love. My son never touched a football, but now, thanks in great part to you, he enhances the lives of young people as a mathematics teacher and curriculum developer in Florida. Thank you.