World's Oldest Man Dies Weeks Before His 115th Birthday

Juan Vicente Pérez wanted to be remembered as a hard-working man, who was faithful to his wife and his religion

Juan Vicente Pérez, who held the title as the world’s oldest man has died, weeks ahead of his 115th birthday.

Freddy Bernal, the governor of Táchira, in Pérez’s home country of Venezuela, confirmed the news, per Guinness World Records. 

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Pérez was born on May 27, 1909. He was the ninth child out of ten born to Eutiquio del Rosario Pérez Mora and Edelmira Mora, the outlet said in 2022 when he celebrated his then-upcoming 113th birthday.

Bernal shared several messages and photos on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Tuesday, April 2, sharing his condolences and paying tribute.

"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,” he wrote, in a tweet that had been translated from Spanish to English by Guinness.

The governor said that his wife and children previously 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,” Bernal continued.

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"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, paid his respects as well.

"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,” Maduro wrote on social media.

At just 5 years old, Pérez began working in agriculture, reports CBS News.

He had 11 children — six sons and five daughters — with Ediofina del Rosario García. The former couple were married for 60 years until her death, notes CBS News.

Additionally, Pérez had 42 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren.

For his 110th birthday in 2019, he became Venezuela’s first male supercentenarian, Guinness previously reported.

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At the time, Pérez said his advice for a long life was to "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, who was known to pray at least twice a day, said he wanted to be remembered as a hard-working man, who was faithful to his wife and his religion.

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