After much contemplation I’ve made my decision about Joe Paterno’s legacy.

The recent countless articles and profiles have given us outsiders an intimate look at the man behind the rolled up cuffs, white socks and black-rimmed glasses.

It cannot be denied that the allegations of child sexual abuse have tarnished the institution of Penn State and as Paterno himself acknowledged, he could have done more. That being said, it remains an undeniable truth that the old coach turned the matter over to the university’s chief law enforcement officer and its chief athletic official. They, in turn, told Penn State’s esteemed president.

If any one of those three leaders had immediately stepped up to address the matter, no one would have ever questioned Paterno’s role in this tragedy. As Tom Hanks and his Forrest Gump said, “And that’s all I have to say about that.”

The testimonials so eloquently delivered at Paterno’s superbly orchestrated memorial service were another reminder of the deep impact the man made on so many families, so many young people and so many admirers. A Brown University graduate, the Brooklyn-born Paterno was an education advocate to the highest degree. He cared about his players as people above all else. He was most concerned about their values, their studies and their families.

I will not try to downplay the unbelievably sad and disgusting events alleged to have occurred at the hands of Paterno’s former long-time assistant coach, but I must focus on more than six decades of devotion to a singular purpose of creating better citizens. The world is a much better place for all of the lives he has influenced and for all the mentoring he has steadfastly delivered. You don’t need to be a Penn State follower to appreciate the contributions of this legendary figure.

We speak of loyalty in many ways, but I couldn’t help but notice in the days surrounding Paterno’s passing, the merry-go-round of college coaches changing jobs was taking place. It is at this time of year that rising coaching stars punch their tickets to the big time.

Throughout his impressive success in rural State College, Pa., Paterno remained loyal to all that he and his spouse, Sue, had built within the university community. He was said to have discussed other major college football jobs and NFL positions, but he realized his place was at Penn State and his life’s work was to teach and counsel in the place called “Happy Valley.”

Plain blue and white uniforms without need for individuality with distinct white helmets and a singular blue stripe are symbolic of Paterno’s plural mantra. It was all about the group, the squad, the team. He leaves a large family of children and grandchildren and well beyond that his legacy lives in the successes and contributions of thousands and thousands of people who came to know him, spent time with him, or listened to him speak.

At the time of his passing 10 days ago, the electronic media was full of fascinating stories from average citizens who came across Paterno at some point in their lives. Even in momentary meetings on the street, these non-football players spoke glowingly and appreciatively of how the man always had time for a warm smile and greeting. Many so-called leaders in this modern era could learn from Paterno’s unselfish approach to his fellow human beings.

The repeated testimonials do not lie. Many recollections came from players who were no longer in the limelight yet still the focus of Paterno’s care and concern. His fatherly advice to the young people he met never wavered. The hundreds of encounters that have been described so richly and vividly over these last two weeks reinforce what many of us already surmised. Joe Paterno was the real deal. He was the type of person any worthwhile society craves. His absence is a loss for everyone, especially young people who have done well to cherish his teaching.

Nothing can tarnish all of the good Paterno accomplished. He used his popularity to support great causes and he gave freely of his time and considerable energy to mentor and teach. Well done and bravo to this icon of 85 years. He was true gentleman who made me even more proud of my Italian-American heritage and of the wonderful impact sports can have in this society. Although he is at eternal rest, the world around him will continue to be a much better place for generations to come because he made it so.

And nothing can or should change that.

Reach Rossi at joerossi61@comcast.net