Childhood and Education Journey of Joe Biden in Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Joe Biden, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. served as the 46th U.S. President (2021-2025). A Democrat, he previously represented Delaware in the U.S. Senate from 1973 to 2009. He also served as the 47th Vice President under President Barack Obama from 2009 to 2017.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

November 20, 1942: Joe Biden's Birth

On November 20, 1942, Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. was born.

1946: Family moved to Garden City, New York

In 1946, Joe Biden's family purchased a home in Garden City, New York.

1953: Family Moved to Claymont, Delaware

In 1953, when Biden was ten, his family moved to an apartment in Claymont, Delaware.

1961: Graduated from Archmere Academy

In 1961, Joe Biden graduated from Archmere Academy.

1965: Graduated from University of Delaware

In 1965, Joe Biden graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

August 27, 1966: Married Neilia Hunter

On August 27, 1966, Joe Biden married Neilia Hunter at a Catholic church in Skaneateles, New York.

1968: Earned Juris Doctor from Syracuse University

In 1968, Joe Biden earned a Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law.

1968: Graduated from Syracuse University College of Law

In 1968, Joe Biden graduated from Syracuse University College of Law.

1968: Received Conditional Medical Deferment

In 1968, Joe Biden received a conditional medical deferment from the draft, reportedly due to asthma as a teenager.

December 18, 1972: Wife and Daughter Killed in Car Accident

On December 18, 1972, Joe Biden's wife, Neilia, and one-year-old daughter, Naomi, were killed in an automobile accident in Hockessin, Delaware. His sons Beau and Hunter were injured.

1974: Described self as liberal on civil rights

In 1974, Joe Biden described himself as liberal on civil rights and liberties, senior citizens' concerns, and healthcare, but conservative on other issues, including abortion and military conscription.

1975: Met Jill Tracy Jacobs

In 1975, Joe Biden met Jill Tracy Jacobs on a blind date.

June 17, 1977: Married Jill Tracy Jacobs

On June 17, 1977, Joe Biden married Jill Tracy Jacobs at the United Nations chapel in New York.

1981: Birth of daughter Ashley Biden

In 1981, Joe and Jill Biden had a daughter, Ashley Biden.

February 1988: Underwent surgery for intracranial berry aneurysm

In February 1988, Biden underwent surgery to correct a leaking intracranial berry aneurysm, which led to a seven-month absence from the Senate due to recuperation and subsequent pulmonary embolism.

1991: Began Co-Teaching at Widener University

In 1991, Joe Biden began co-teaching a seminar on constitutional law at Widener University School of Law.

2008: Ended Co-Teaching at Widener University

In 2008, Joe Biden concluded his time co-teaching at Widener University School of Law.

2008: Reason for Draft Deferment Revealed

In 2008, a spokesperson for Joe Biden said that his having had "asthma as a teenager" was the reason for his conditional medical deferment in 1968.

May 2009: Visit to Kosovo

In May 2009, Biden visited Kosovo and affirmed the U.S. position that its "independence is irreversible".

November 2009: Biden's net worth

As of November 2009, Joe Biden's net worth was $27,012.

2015: Death of Beau Biden

In 2015, Joe Biden's son Beau Biden died of brain cancer.

August 2016: Visit to Serbia

In August 2016, Biden visited Serbia, where he met with the Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić and expressed condolences for civilian victims of the bombing campaign during the Kosovo War.

2018: Eulogy for Senator John McCain

In 2018, Biden gave a eulogy for Senator John McCain.

November 2020: Biden's net worth increases

By November 2020, the Bidens were worth $9 million, largely due to sales of Biden's books and speaking fees after his vice presidency.

July 21, 2022: Biden tests positive for COVID-19

On July 21, 2022, Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 and was treated with Paxlovid while working in isolation at the White House.

2023: Removal of basal-cell carcinoma

In 2023, Joe Biden had a basal-cell carcinoma removed from his chest.

July 17, 2024: Biden tests positive for COVID-19 again

On July 17, 2024, Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 again.

May 18, 2025: Biden diagnosed with prostate cancer

On May 18, 2025, Joe Biden's office announced that he had been diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer with bone metastasis during a routine physical examination.