World’s oldest man Perez passes away at 114

Venezuelan Juan Vicente Perez Mora, known globally as the oldest man, leaves behind a century-spanning story of resilience, community service and familial legacy

Juan Vicente Perez Mora, recognized as the world’s oldest man, died Tuesday at the age of 114.

This remarkable individual, whose life spanned significant global events and changes, passed away just two months short of his 115th birthday. In 2022, Perez Mora, a Venezuelan national, was certified by the Guinness World Records, marking him as a significant figure not just in his home country but worldwide.

Perez was born on May 27, 1909, in El Cobre, a town in the Andean state of Tachira, Venezuela. He was the ninth child in a family of 10. Perez’s life was deeply rooted in agriculture. At the tender age of five, he began working alongside his father and brothers, assisting in harvesting sugar cane and coffee. This early introduction to hard work laid the foundation for his long and industrious life.

Perez dedicated himself to agriculture and served his community as a sheriff, mediating land and family disputes. His personal life was equally fulfilling. As a father of 11, he was the patriarch of a large family that grew to include 41 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren by 2022.

Living through major historical events like the two World Wars and the COVID-19 pandemic, Perez witnessed and adapted to monumental changes in society and technology. From the times of rudimentary farming practices to the era of digital communication, Perez’s life spanned an era of remarkable transformations, embodying a living history that connected past generations with the present.

The passing of Perez brings to light the rarefied world of supercentenarians. While Perez held the title of the oldest man, the record for the oldest living person is currently held by Maria Branyas Morera.

Born in 1907, Morera celebrated her 117th birthday in March 2024, earning her place in the Guinness World Records. Her life, which began in San Francisco, U.S., and continued in Catalonia, Spain, is equally rich in history and experience, spanning major global events, including two World Wars and several pandemics.

Source: Newsroom