Dressed in a blue coat and tie with a white shirt, the school colors, McQueary was among those at an event that was to stretch late into Tuesday night. McQueary declined comment after leaving the viewing.

Earlier Tuesday, former Penn State and Pittsburgh Steelers great Franco Harris, a vocal critic of the university trustees, also came to say goodbye. Others included NFL receivers Deon Butler and Jordan Norwood, Norwood's father and Baylor assistant coach Brian Norwood and former quarterback Daryll Clark — who also served as an honor guard.

Texans receiver Bryant Johnson, a nine-year NFL veteran, said he decided to attend Penn State out of high school in Baltimore because "he wanted to play for a legendary coach."

"I wanted to play for someone that instilled the values that he believed in," Johnson. "I wanted to play for someone who believed in guys graduating."

Paterno was beloved as much by others in the community for his philanthropic efforts, such as donating millions back to the university for projects including the campus library bearing the family name. Paterno Library sits a short walk across the street from the spiritual center.

"He did so much for this town and school and the students. It wasn't all football," said Martha Edwards of Jersey Shore, Pa. She isn't a graduate but decided to attend anyway.

"Right over there is the library with his name on it," she said. "Nobody comes any better than him."

There is another public viewing Wednesday at the interfaith center, and after that Paterno's family will hold a private funeral and procession through State College.

On Thursday, the school's basketball arena will be the site of a public service called "A Memorial for Joe." Tickets were quickly snapped up for the event, even though there was a two-per-person limit for those ordering.

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