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Friends Remember Joe Paterno

NEW YORK(CBSNewYork) -- Final plans are in place to remember former Penn State football coach Joe Paterno. Paterno, who was born in Brooklyn, died on Sunday leaving his fans with heavy hearts.

CBS2's Chris Wragge met with Joe Pa's childhood friends to remember the football legend.

"I'm very proud of him, proud to have known him and all of B-Prep feels the same," said long time Paterno friend John Moore.

Paterno was a star on the gridiron and the captain of the basketball team. He was a born leader, from day one when Joe acted others followed suit.

The family of Paterno's high school coach Zev Graham hold Paterno in particularly high regard.

"When Penn State was on we'd watch with pop pop, and he'd tell you all the things about Joe and the different guys that played for him," said Graham's grandson Peter Hawkins.

The memories that Paterno's friends have are indelible but his final months in the wake of the Penn State abuse case still sting.

"We knew it was coming, it was a rough way to go after what happened, it was a tough way to go," said Graham's son-in-law, Ed Hawkins, "Joe would never, ever have anything to do with hurting young boys."

A viewing for Paterno will be held tomorrow on the Penn State campus, his funeral will be held on Wednesday.

How will you remember Coach Paterno? Let us know in our comments section below...

 

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