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Who is your idol?

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.

Principled life

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.

Teacher and father

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.

Worth the wait

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.

Great impact

Coach Timothy Munn, Shortsville, N.Y.