"This is a sad day! Our family, Dottie and I would like to convey our deepest sympathy to Sue and her family," Sandusky said in a statement. "Nobody will be able to take away the memories we all shared of a great man, his family, and all the wonderful people who were a part of his life."
Sandusky is awaiting trial on 52 criminal counts for what prosecutors say was sexual abuse of 10 children over 15 years. He denies the allegations.
Sandusky was Paterno's top assistant for years until he retired in 1999, and he said he remembered Paterno as a great man who met high standards in a difficult job.
"He maintained a high standard in a very difficult profession. Joe preached toughness, hard work and clean competition," Sandusky said. "Most importantly, he had the courage to practice what he preached."
Curley, Schultz offer condolences on Paterno
Two officials facing charges in the Penn State child sex abuse scandal are offering their condolences on the death of veteran coach Joe Paterno.
Penn State athletic director Tim Curley and retired vice president Gary Schultz issued statements Sunday through attorneys.
Curley, who is on administrative leave, said "words cannot express" the sorrow he and his family feel. He said Paterno coached and mentored him and "taught me what it meant to compete with integrity and honor."
Schultz called working with Paterno for many years a "sincere honor and distinct pleasure." He said "No one loved Penn State more than Joe."
Schultz and Curley are awaiting trial after pleading not guilty to charges of perjury and failing to report 2002 sex abuse allegations against a longtime assistant coach to authorities.
