Juan Vicente Pérez, the world’s oldest man according to Guinness World Records, died in Venezuela just weeks before his 115th birthday. He left behind a legacy of hard work, faith, and a life spanning over a century of monumental historical events.
Juan Vicente Pérez, who held the title of the oldest living man, passed away just weeks before his 115th birthday, Guinness World Records announced on Wednesday.
Pérez was born on May 27, 1909, in Venezuela. He earned his Guinness World Record title on February 4, 2022, after Saturnino de la Fuente García’s passing. At that time, he was 112 years and 253 days old, the fourth oldest validated living person globally and notably the only man alive born before 1911.
Pérez said his secret to a long life is “working hard, resting on holidays, going to bed early, drinking a glass of aguardiente every day, loving God, and always carrying him in his heart.” Faith has also been a big part of his life. He prayed twice a day and believed in a life where his actions were guided by prayer.
Pérez wished to be remembered as “a hard-working man, faithful to his wife and his religion.” He was born in Táchira state, Venezuela, to Euquitio Pérez and Edelmira Mora.
Throughout his life, Pérez was known for his deep-rooted values, hard work, and dedication to family. He and his wife, Ediofina del Rosario García, had 11 children, leading to a large extended family of 42 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren.
Juan Vicente Pérez | Source: Youtube.com/guinnessworldrecords
At only five years old, Pérez began working in agriculture. He went to school when he was ten, but was only enrolled for five months because his teacher, Carmen got sick.
However, she did not leave him stranded. She left him with a book that would help him learn how to read and write. Pérez went on to serve as a sheriff in Caricuena, where he resolved land and family disputes for ten years.
Juan Vicente Pérez | Source: Youtube.com/guinnessworldrecords
His passing was felt by many, including, Governor Freddy Bernal of Táchira who expressed profound sadness over Pérez’s passing, stating:
“With deep sadness and pain we say goodbye to this archetype of Tachirense man, humble, hardworking, peaceful, enthusiastic about family and tradition. From the town of El Cobre he gave Venezuela the Guinness Record for being the oldest man in the world. I send my hug and condolences to his family and to all the people of El Cobre, Tachira state. May God receive him in his holy glory!”
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro also honored Pérez, expressing his condolences and highlighting Pérez’s lasting impact on the community of El Cobre, Táchira. He wrote:
“Juan Vicente Pérez Mora has transcended into eternity at 114 years old. I send my hugs and condolences to his family and to all the people of El Cobre, Táchira state. May God receive him in his holy glory.”
Juan Vicente Pérez | Source: Youtube.com/guinnessworldrecords
Throughout his life, Pérez witnessed significant historical events, including both World Wars, the invention of television, and the moon landing, and he even survived COVID-19 in 2020.
The Gerontology Research Group is in the process of identifying the new oldest living man, with candidates like Gisaburō Sonobe and Josias de Oliveira who were both born in 1911 under consideration. Their birthday dates still need to be confirmed.
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