Joe Gargan: The Untold Story Of A Kennedy Insider

In the tangled web of American political history, few incidents have captured public attention like the Chappaquiddick incident involving Senator Ted Kennedy. But who was Joe Gargan, the man at the center of this tragic event? His life offers profound insights not just into the Kennedy family but also into loyalty, friendship, and the burden of silence.

Who Was Joe Gargan?

Joe Gargan was intricately linked to the Kennedy political family through his mother's lineage. Growing up, he formed a close bond with his cousin, Ted Kennedy, which would later influence his career choices. Gargan was deeply involved in political campaigns for other Kennedy family members, including John and Robert Kennedy. His most notable moment came in July 1969 when he hosted a party at Chappaquiddick Island, just hours before a tragic accident claimed the life of Mary Jo Kopechne, a former staff member of Robert Kennedy. This incident marked Gargan's life forever, and although he chose to remain silent for many years, he later recounted his experiences in a best-selling book released in 1988. Tragically, he passed away in December 2017, just months before the release of a film revisiting the Chappaquiddick incident.

Early Life and Education

Joseph Francis Gargan was born on February 16, 1930, in Boston, Massachusetts. He was the eldest of three children in a family where his father, Joseph Sr., served as a lawyer and a decorated U.S. Marine. Tragically, at just six years old, he lost his mother to an embolism, forcing him to spend his formative years with relatives. Gargan later attended Georgetown Preparatory School, where he reconnected with his father, who had moved to Washington D.C. However, he faced another loss when his father died of a heart attack, making him an orphan at the tender age of sixteen.

Following in his father's footsteps, Gargan pursued higher education at the University of Notre Dame. He graduated with an undergraduate degree in 1952, followed by a law degree three years later. Education played a crucial role in shaping his career, particularly in the political realm.

Connection to the Kennedys

Gargan's mother, Agnes, was the younger sister of Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, the matriarch of the renowned Kennedy family. This familial connection led Gargan to bond closely with cousin Ted during his childhood summers at the Kennedy estate in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts. Their friendship blossomed over the years, as they shared common interests such as sailing and sports.

This connection to the Kennedys provided Gargan with unique opportunities. He was not only part of the family dynamic but also participated actively in their competitive and ambitious lifestyle. His athletic prowess allowed him to shine in family football games, reinforcing his standing within the family.

Early Career and Campaign Work

Gargan's political journey began when he assisted John F. Kennedy's successful campaign for the U.S. Senate in 1952. After passing the Massachusetts bar in 1956, he worked as a trial lawyer but soon found himself deeply enmeshed in the Kennedys' political endeavors. He played a vital role in John Kennedy's presidential campaign in 1960 as an advance man and later supported Ted Kennedy's Senate campaigns in 1962 and 1964.

In 1961, Gargan was appointed as the first assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts, further solidifying his connection to the political world. He returned to his law practice but was soon called back to political service, taking charge as chairman of Robert Kennedy's 1968 presidential campaign following the tragic assassination of his cousin. This period of his life was marked by significant political upheaval and personal challenges.

Wife and Family

During his time at Notre Dame, Gargan met Betty Hurstel, an Indiana native who worked at the university's graduate school. They married in 1955 and had three children: Terry, Joe, and Tom, along with two grandchildren. Family was a cornerstone of Gargan's life, providing him with support through the turbulent times that followed the Chappaquiddick incident.

Involvement in Chappaquiddick Incident

On July 18, 1969, Gargan hosted a cookout with Ted Kennedy at a rented cottage on Chappaquiddick Island. The gathering was a reunion for the "Boiler Room Girls," the female staffers from Robert Kennedy’s campaign. As the night progressed, tragedy struck when Ted Kennedy drove off a bridge into Poucha Pond with Mary Jo Kopechne.

After the accident, Gargan and another friend, Paul Markham, accompanied Ted to the accident scene. Despite their efforts to rescue Kopechne, she tragically drowned. The aftermath saw the trio debating whether to report the incident, which ultimately went unreported until the next morning, leading to significant media scrutiny and public outrage.

Speaking Out in 'Senatorial Privilege'

For years, Gargan remained silent about the events of that fateful night. However, in the 1980s, he shared his account with journalist Leo Damore, resulting in crucial revelations that formed part of Damore's 1988 book, "Senatorial Privilege: The Chappaquiddick Cover-Up." Gargan expressed his frustration with Ted Kennedy's reluctance to take responsibility for the accident, suggesting alternative narratives that Gargan firmly rejected.

His insistence on reporting the incident highlighted the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by those involved. Gargan's narrative shed light on the pressures and challenges of loyalty, family ties, and the quest for truth amidst political turmoil.

Later Career and Death

After the Chappaquiddick incident, Gargan continued his career in finance, serving as vice president of Merchant's Bank in Hyannis. He later established a law firm, Gargan, Harrington, Markham & Wall, and held a position on the Massachusetts Board of Appeal until his retirement in 2013.

Joe Gargan passed away on December 12, 2017, in Lansdowne, Virginia. His death occurred just months before the release of the film "Chappaquiddick," which reignited discussions about the incident and its lasting impact on the Kennedy legacy.

'Chappaquiddick' Movie

The film "Chappaquiddick," released in 2018, dramatizes the events of that tragic night. It provides a fresh perspective on the incident, portraying Ted Kennedy's struggles and the ensuing fallout. The film features Jason Clarke as Ted Kennedy, Kate Mara as Mary Jo Kopechne, and Ed Helms as Joe Gargan, illustrating the tumultuous dynamics of loyalty and tragedy within the Kennedy family.

Key Takeaways