Joseph Vincent Paterno passed on Sunday January 22nd, 2012. His life and death spoke immeasurable volumes about the impeccable character of a man who was loved and revered by many. And no tribute more accurately captured Joe’s essence than the one that Jay Paterno presented in remembrance of his father. Jay honored his father in a way matched by none during the memorial service held in Beaver Stadium today (January 27, 2012). He touched on Joe’s role as a son, husband, father, and coach and produced a powerful image of a man whose legacy goes beyond his accomplishments as a football legend.
Jay’s eulogy was filled with powerful rhetoric, and he made use of pathos in a most powerful way. By referring to specific memories, painting vivid images of his father, and making use of direct quotes, Jay caused his listeners – both those in the stadium and those watching television sets – to feel his father’s aura. When sharing his last words with his father, he channeled raw emotion that added to and intensified the mournful sentiment already felt by the audience.
“Dad, you won. You did all you could do. You’ve done enough. We all love you. You won. You can go home now.”
Jay’s description of his father’s determination and his success in making an impact on society were extremely touching, but nothing came close to the emotional appeal he made when describing Joe’s relationship with his other half, Sue Paterno. Jay recounts Joe calling Sue the opera in his heart. As Joe eloquently phrased it, “Their artistry of love and skill became a driving force on this campus, benefiting all aspects of this university. Together they created a masterpiece in their lives.”
To finish, Jay appealed to Penn State’s sense of community by referencing one of his father’s favorite prayers: the “Our Father.” He asserted that Joe’s insistence on praying the “Our Father” reflected the thoughts of the Penn State community’s “We Are” mentality. The prayer never had “I” or “me.”
Jay Paterno’s eloquence and pathos moved all listening to his powerful words. His speech will never be forgotten for as long as Joe’s name is remembered. Jay's use of rhetoric conveyed a message that all Penn Staters and fans of JoePa can agree on. To all of us who know of Joseph Vincent Paterno, he will always be more than a coach. He will always be our hero.
