Juan Vicente Pérez, the world’s oldest man, died just weeks before what would have been his 115th birthday.
Pérez was born in 1909 and lived in Venezuela. Freddy Bernal, the governor of Táchira in Venezuela, confirmed his death on X (previously known as Twitter).
He wrote: “Our dear Juan Vicente Perez Mora, today with deep sadness and pain we say goodbye to you, to that archetype of a man from Tachira, humble, hard-working, peaceful, enthusiastic about family and tradition.”
Bernal continued on with a slew of statements, mentioning that he and his wife had “the pleasure and the pride of meeting him.”
“My old Don Vicente, we will always remember him for his optimism in life, for faith, hope and that deep love for our state of Tachira,” he said. “He will always be a symbol of goodness, wisdom and joy, which is why his legacy will live forever in our hearts and in our lives.”
“Rest in peace my dear old man, my Don Juan Vicente. We will never forget you.”
Venezuela’s president, Nicolás Maduro, also shared a statement on X:
“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.”
World’s Oldest Man Dies Just Before 115th Birthday
Guinness World Records pointed out that Pérez lived through both World Wars, experienced the invention of the television and the landing of a man on the moon, and even survived the global COVID-19 pandemic.
While his death leaves behind many heavy hearts, his life and legacy will live on forever.
For his 110th birthday, Pérez shared his secret to long life: “work hard, rest on holidays, go to bed early, drink a glass of aguardiente every day, love God, and always carry him in your heart.”
Pérez had 11 children, 42 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren — imagine that! While his death is saddening, he surely had a long life filled with love.