Would be on Saturday, as friends and family to State College, Pennsylvania, called the hospital, a family spokesman said the coach had taken a turn for the worse.
Penn State student website Onward State reported that PSU team members were informed of Paterno's death via e-mail. However, one Paterno family spokeswoman denied the report and tweeted his son that his father "fighting."
Known for his "success with honor" motto, thick glasses, rolled-up pants and black cleats, left an indelible impression on Paterno and Penn State college football in general.
Joe, 85, has grandchidlren five children with his wife Sue and 17.
A Brooklyn native and graduate of Brown University, Paterno started coaching the Nittany Lions extended in 1966 and his term until October this year.
In its 46 years as head coach, Paterno holds the all-time Division I record for wins with a 409-136-3 record soccer practice and two national titles.
After a very successful career and cult status, Paterno ended career as a coach, as a result of a scandal involving former assistant Jerry Sandusky.
Sandusky allegedly sexually boys, including a 10-year-old attacked. Paterno was fired over his handling (or lack of handling) of the scandal.
In announcing his retirement, he said: ".. This is a tragedy, it is one of the major concerns in my life with the benefit of hindsight, I wish I could have done more."
"I'm sick of it. I did not know exactly how to handle it, and I was afraid to jeopardize something that the University has a procedure could do."
"So I stepped back and turned it over to some other people, people I thought a little more experience than I would have. It did not work that way."
In November he was diagnosed with lung cancer and rapidly deteriorating health.
Although the scandal sullied the image of Paterno in his last days, the coach helped enjoyed decades of success and respect on campus, he and his wife during construction.
This is not likely to change anytime soon.
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