There are few modern Pennsylvania’s that are more well know than Joe Paterno. And while he passed in January 2012, those wanting to pay their respects can use this guide to visit his gravesite in State College, PA.
Paterno became the head coach of the Penn State University football team in 1966, and stayed in the position until November 2011, less than two months before his death from lung cancer. His is still widely considered one of the greatest college football coaches in history.
While he had an undoubtably legendary career, the end was marred by the crimes of Jerry Sandusky and Paterno’s response to them. However, I won’t be litigating that in this article as it’s not really related to the topic of visiting his burial site.
Visiting Joe Paterno’s Grave
Joe Paterno is buried in Spring Creek Presbyterian Cemetery (also known as Slab Cabin Cemetery) just feet outside the borders of the Borough of State College. This is a small and unassuming cemetery surrounded by a few houses and the Centre Hills Country Club’s golf course.
In the same way, Paterno’s grave is quite unassuming. There is no large monument or even a sign indicating he’s buried in the cemetery. You could drive past this cemetery every day and have no idea that he’s buried here.
However, if you drive through the cemetery, you might see his modest gravesite, which is typically covered by pebbles and surrounded by a few Penn State-related items left by well-wishers.
Entrance to Spring Creek Presbyterian Cemetery can be found on Country Club Road. There is no address for the cemetery, so it’s best to use coordinates to find the entrance: 40.796944, -77.834639.
[Click here for information on how to use the coordinates in this article to find your destination.]
Enter the cemetery and stay to the right when the road splits. About 120 yards from the cemetery entrance, just as the road straightens out from a 90-degree turn, pull over.
The grave of Joe Paterno can be found on your right side close to the tree line. It’s located at the following coordinates: 40.798062, -77.834078.
Paterno’s grave marked by a typical flat gravestone, so you’ll want to look for the pebbles that sit next to the headstone, as well as the Penn State mementoes that are typically there. There is also often an American flag at this grave remembering his time in the Army during World War 2.
I found it interesting that there is no mention of Penn State on his gravestone. In fact, if there weren’t items left by visitors, you’d have no idea that he was particularly notable at all if you just stumbled upon his burial site.
His grave simply has his name and years of life, along with a spot for his wife, Suzanne, who is still living at the time of publication.
Below their names is a quote from English playwright Robert Browning: “Ah, But a man’s reach should exceed his grasp, or what’s a heaven for.”
While visiting, take a moment to enjoy the peaceful view from Paterno’s grave. You can even see Mount Nittany when there are no leaves on the trees.
Overall, if you’re looking to pay your respects to a Penn State and college football legend, visiting Joe Paterno’s grave is a must-do when in State College.
Looking for more things to do in the area? Visit the Penn State All-Sports Museum, check out the best hikes near State College, and visit the Palmer Museum of Art.
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