Jose Paulino Gomes, the world’s oldest man, passed away at the remarkable age of 127, just a week before his 128th birthday.
The sad event occurred on July 28 at his residence in Minas Gerais, Brazil, as reported by local media.
The oldest man leaves behind a legacy of a large and loving family, including seven children, 25 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great-grandchildren.
Throughout his long life, he experienced significant historical events, having been born before Queen Victoria’s death, the Wright brothers’ first flight, and the discovery of X-rays.
The oldest man lived through both World Wars and three global pandemics, witnessing the world’s progress and challenges.
Remarkably, until four years ago, Mr. Gomes was still actively riding horses, showcasing his vitality and love for life. Throughout his lifetime, he worked as an animal tamer, showcasing his passion for the animal kingdom.
Although the Guinness World Records currently recognize Spain’s Maria Branyas Morera as the official record holder for being 115 years old, some reports claim that Jose Paulino Gomes’ age might challenge this record.
Conflicting previous records indicate that French woman Jeanne Calment lived to be 122 before passing away in 1997. Whether Mr. Gomes’ age will be officially verified by Guinness World Records remains uncertain.
Regardless, the world mourns the loss of a remarkable individual who lived through history and left behind an enduring legacy of family and accomplishment.