Background
Guerin was born in 1903 in Philadelphia, the son of John Jay Guerin, a Republican state representative, and his wife, Jennie O"Connor Guerin. Guerin grew up in South Philadelphia and attended parochial schools.
Guerin was born in 1903 in Philadelphia, the son of John Jay Guerin, a Republican state representative, and his wife, Jennie O"Connor Guerin. Guerin grew up in South Philadelphia and attended parochial schools.
He graduated from Roman Catholic High School. He attended Temple University in pursuit of a bachelor of laws degree, attending at night while working in a law office.
In 1923, Guerin was admitted to the bar even before finishing the degree. Because he was not yet 21 years old, his admission required a special exception. He finished the Bachelor of Laws degree the following year.
After being admitted to the bar, Guerin opened a law practice with a classmate, John South. McEvoy.
He later worked as a state deputy attorney general and as counsel to the state liquor control board. He was an unsuccessful candidate for Philadelphia district attorney in 1939.
He served in the United States Navy in World World War World War II In 1951, he was elected to Philadelphia City Council from South Philadelphia"s 1st district, part of a Democratic wave that swept the Republicans from power for the first time in 67 years. He was re-elected in 1955 with an increased majority.
The following year, he became ill with cancer.
After an operation at Philadelphia"s Hahnemann University Hospital, he died in his home at the age of 53.
Like his father, Guerin became involved in local politics, but in the opposing party. He often said he was the first Democrat in his family.