Juan Vicente Pérez, recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest man, passed away in Venezuela mere weeks before his 115th birthday. His departure marks the end of a remarkable life defined by dedication, faith, and a journey that spanned over a century, witnessing monumental historical events unfold. Guinness World Records confirmed the news of Pérez’s passing on Wednesday.
Born on May 27, 1909, in Venezuela, Juan Vicente Pérez secured his place in history as the world’s oldest man, according to Guinness World Records. His record began on February 4, 2022, following the passing of Saturnino de la Fuente García, at the age of 112 years and 253 days. Pérez held the distinction of being the fourth oldest validated living person globally, notably the only male alive born before 1911.
Pérez attributed his longevity to a simple yet profound philosophy: “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.” His unwavering faith was a cornerstone of his life, manifesting in daily prayers and a belief in a life guided by divine guidance.
He expressed a desire to be remembered as “a hard-working man, faithful to his wife and his religion.” Born in Táchira state, Venezuela, to Euquitio Pérez and Edelmira Mora, Pérez’s life was characterized by deeply rooted values, industriousness, and a steadfast commitment to family. Together with his wife, Ediofina del Rosario García, they raised 11 children, resulting in a large extended family comprising 42 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren.
At the tender age of five, Pérez embarked on his journey in agriculture, laying the foundation for a lifetime of hard work. Formal education came into Pérez’s life at ten, albeit briefly, as his schooling spanned only five months due to his teacher, Carmen, falling ill.
Yet, Carmen’s care for Pérez didn’t falter; she left him with a book, a beacon of knowledge that empowered him to learn to read and write. Pérez’s path led him to serve as a sheriff in Caricuena, where he dedicated a decade to resolving land and family disputes.
The passing of Juan Vicente Pérez reverberated deeply, drawing heartfelt condolences from figures like Governor Freddy Bernal of Táchira, who mourned Pérez’s loss as that of an exemplary Tachirense man. Bernal’s words reflected Pérez’s humility, hard work, and dedication to family and tradition. President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela also paid tribute to Pérez, acknowledging his Guinness World Record achievement and the impact he had on the community of El Cobre, Táchira.
Pérez’s life was a tapestry woven with significant historical threads, witnessing the upheavals of both World Wars, the advent of television, the historic moon landing, and even surviving the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
At the tender age of five, Pérez embarked on his journey in agriculture, laying the foundation for a lifetime of hard work. Formal education came into Pérez’s life at ten, albeit briefly, as his schooling spanned only five months due to his teacher, Carmen, falling ill.
Yet, Carmen’s care for Pérez didn’t falter; she left him with a book, a beacon of knowledge that empowered him to learn to read and write. Pérez’s path led him to serve as a sheriff in Caricuena, where he dedicated a decade to resolving land and family disputes.
The passing of Juan Vicente Pérez reverberated deeply, drawing heartfelt condolences from figures like Governor Freddy Bernal of Táchira, who mourned Pérez’s loss as that of an exemplary Tachirense man. Bernal’s words reflected Pérez’s humility, hard work, and dedication to family and tradition. President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela also paid tribute to Pérez, acknowledging his Guinness World Record achievement and the impact he had on the community of El Cobre, Táchira.
Pérez’s life was a tapestry woven with significant historical threads, witnessing the upheavals of both World Wars, the advent of television, the historic moon landing, and even surviving the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
