04/04/2024
04/04/2024
VENEZUELA, April 4: Juan Vicente Pérez Mora, recognized as the oldest man in the world by Guinness World Records, has passed away just weeks before his anticipated 115th birthday, the organization announced on Wednesday.
Pérez Mora's tenure as the oldest living man lasted for a brief period, with Guinness officially recognizing him on February 4, 2022, at the age of 112 years and 253 days, following the passing of Saturnino de la Fuente García. He held the distinction of being the fourth oldest validated living person globally and was reportedly the sole man alive born before 1911.
Attributing his remarkable longevity to a disciplined lifestyle, Pérez Mora emphasized the importance of hard work, rest, early bedtime, daily consumption of aguardiente (a type of alcoholic beverage), and his unwavering faith. Describing himself as a devout individual, he shared with Guinness World Records his dedication to prayer, expressing his desire to be remembered as a diligent worker, devoted husband, and faithful follower of his religion.
Born on May 27, 1909, in Venezuela to Euquitio Pérez and Edelmira Mora, Pérez Mora resided in Táchira state until his passing. Governor Freddy Bernal mourned his loss, describing Pérez Mora as an exemplar of the Tachirense community – humble, hardworking, and deeply rooted in family and tradition.
Married to Ediofina del Rosario García for 60 years, Pérez Mora leaves behind a legacy of family, with 11 children, 42 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren. His life journey began in agriculture at the tender age of 5, with minimal formal education. Despite this, Pérez Mora learned to read and write and later served as sheriff in Caricuena, where he mediated land and family disputes for a decade.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro expressed his condolences on social media, honoring Pérez Mora's remarkable life and offering sympathies to his family and the people of El Cobre, Táchira state.
As the world mourns Pérez Mora's passing, the Gerontology Research Group is actively searching for his successor as the oldest living man. Japanese Gisaburō Sonobe and Brazilian Josias de Oliveira are contenders for the title, pending confirmation of their birth dates by the group.