Born in Boston, the son of Patrick J. Kennedy, a successful businessman
(liquor) and Irish Catholic community leader active in Democratic Party
politics. Joseph attended Boston Latin School, where he was a below
average academically but proved popular among his classmates, winning
election as class president and playing on the school baseball team.
Following the example of several older relatives, he attended Harvard
University, where he focused on becoming a social leader, gaining
admittance to the prestigious Hasty Pudding Club.
