Joe Paterno’s will isn’t for public consumption, according to WTAE Pittsburgh. Additionally, Paterno’s lawyer’s petition to keep the will sealed, as well as the judge’s ruling on the matter, shall remain locked away from prying eyes. Court documents also state that the late Penn State coach’s will is the only one in the county that was sealed within the past 18 months.
Dan McGinn, a spokesman for the family, said that these steps were taken in order to ensure the Paternos privacy, adding that this sort of maneuver wasn’t uncommon when dealing with high-profile individuals. “The Paterno family has been totally transparent with respect to Coach Paterno’s contract and pension. Sue Paterno has also reiterated her commitment to support charitable causes connected to Penn State and the State College community. These efforts will continue.”
Despite the family’s desire to keep the coach’s last will and testament out of the public spotlight, a few details surrounding the document have been unearthed. According to the state employees retirement system, Penn State reportedly paid the estate salary, television and radio revenue sharing, bonuses and death benefits to the tune of $3 million.
Paterno’s wife, Sue Paterno, will receive nearly $13.4 million in pension benefits, $1.5 million of which she plans to donate to charity.
Joe Paterno, who was the head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions for 46 years, passed away in January of 2012 due to complications from lung cancer. He was 85.