Friends, family remember Beau Biden in Wilmington

The honoring the life and legacy of Beau Biden continued Friday in his hometown of Wilmington, where countless friends, family and colleagues gathered at the Saint Anthony of Padua Church.

“It’s just going to be a huge loss for me.” Says Debbie Looby of Wilmington. “It’s a huge loss for Delaware, it’s a huge  loss for the country.”

Debbie and her mother Jeanne Looby waited five hours in line to pay their respects to former attorney general beau Biden on Friday.

“It was worth all the waiting and what-not. It was a wonderful tribute to him.” Says Jeanne.

At one point, mourners made up 1200 feet of solidarity lining around the 11th and North DuPont Streets in Wilmington. Some attendees included colleagues but to the Looby’s, the Bidens were not just a notable family in Delaware. Debbie tells us she first met Beau when he was just six months old and has fond memories of baby-sitting him when she was in high school.

“Oh, he was fun.” says Debbie. “I’m a huge Elvis fan and I was over there baby-sitting his sister one night and the boys had gone out. When they came home, I’m watching a movie…the only one where he [Elvis] didn’t sing. So beau and Hunt came in…and they’re serenading me.”

Senator Tom Carper also attended Friday’s viewing.

“I’ve been in Delaware for a long time, in office for quite a while. I’ve never seen anything like this. There’s an out-pour of love, affection and care.” Explains Senator Carper.

With a heavy heart, he tells 47 ABC that the loss of Beau Biden was comparable to the loss of his own family members but his humble and kind legacy will never be forgotten.

“I remember when he was attorney general, he was also promoted to major in the Delaware National Guard and I said…should I call you “General” or should I call you “Major”?” He reminisced. “And he said, you can just call me Beau.”

A mass memorial service for Beau Biden is expected to held at 10:30 Saturday. President Obama is set to deliver the eulogy.