Joseph Buttigieg, the father of former presidential candidate and South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, passed away on January 27, 2019, at the age of 71. He left behind a legacy of scholarship, intellectual curiosity, and dedication to his family.
Early Life and Education
Joseph Buttigieg was born on May 9, 1947, in Valletta, Malta. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Malta before earning a master's degree and a Ph.D. in literature from Indiana University.
Academic Career
Joseph Buttigieg joined the faculty of the University of Notre Dame in 1980 and remained there until his retirement in 2017. He was a prominent scholar of modern European literature and philosophy, particularly the works of Antonio Gramsci and Giambattista Vico.
He was also the editor and translator of several volumes of Gramsci's writings, including the Prison Notebooks, which are considered a seminal work of Marxist theory.
Personal Life
Joseph Buttigieg was married to Anne Montgomery, a scholar of Russian literature, and together they had two children, Peter and Janine.
He was known for his devotion to his family, his love of cooking, and his interest in gardening and beekeeping.
Legacy
Joseph Buttigieg's scholarship and intellectual curiosity had a profound impact on his students, colleagues, and the wider academic community. His translations and editions of Gramsci's works are widely regarded as authoritative and have been translated into several languages.
He also had a lasting influence on his son, Pete Buttigieg, who has credited his father with instilling in him a love of learning and a commitment to public service.
Conclusion
Joseph Buttigieg was a scholar, teacher, husband, father, and friend who lived a life of intellectual curiosity, dedication to his family, and commitment to social justice. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of scholars and activists.