Joe’s parents, Joseph R. Biden Sr and Catherine Eugenia Finnegan, significantly impacted his personal and political life, albeit for different reasons.
Biden Sr. faced many challenges, including a period of poverty with his family, but his father’s resilience and wisdom have inspired him a lot.
One of his father’s quotes, “My dad always said, ‘Champ, the measure of a man is not how often he is knocked down, but how quickly he gets up,'” has become an essential part of Biden’s campaign, both during his tenure as VP to President Barack Obama and in the 2020 election.
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Who Was Joe Biden Sr?
Joe Biden’s father, Joe Biden Sr., was a man who held unwavering faith and was determined to provide a good life for his family of six.
He was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1915, and although he spent his twenties enjoying yacht sailing trips and flying planes, his later years as a family man were not as carefree.
Biden Jr. recalls his childhood as being a positive experience, but his father faced business setbacks in his career, which eventually led the family to move in with Biden Jr.’s maternal grandparents.
Joe Biden Sr Personal Life
In the post-World War II period, Biden Sr. faced difficulty securing employment and traveled to Wilmington, Delaware, where he worked as a boiler cleaner for a heating and cooling company.
Despite being previously employed at a car dealership with a decent salary, he valued his self-respect more than his paycheck.
Biden Jr. mentioned in a 2008 speech while accepting the Democratic vice-presidential nomination that his father’s experience instilled in him that work is not just about monetary compensation but also dignity and respect. Joe Biden Sr. died in September 2002 at 86 due to brain cancer.
Who Was Catherine Eugenia Finnegan?
Joe Biden, the ex-vice president and Democratic nominee for the 2020 presidential election, often mentions his parents, especially his mother, as individuals who have significantly impacted his life.
Catherine Eugenia Finnegan, also known as Catherine E. F. Biden or Jean, was born in 1917 to a family from Pennsylvania. In 1941, she wedded Joe Biden Sr. and gave birth to Joe Jr. in 1942.
The family faced financial difficulties during Joe’s childhood and ultimately relocated to Delaware, where they still live.
His mother, Jean, was encouraging and inspiring; Joe often cites her words and actions in his political speeches.
Although Jean passed away in 2010, her influence is still evident in Joe’s political perspectives and remains constant in his thoughts.
Catherine Eugenia Finnegan Personal Life
Jean passed away in the company of her loved ones, including her great-grandchildren. She was the heart of her family. She imparted important values to her children, such as the significance of treasuring family, prioritizing loyalty, and relying on faith during challenging times.
The Bidens expressed their admiration for her and stated that her unwavering belief in them instilled confidence in their abilities. Even though she is no longer with them, her immense strength will continue to inspire her family.
