Guinness World Records are saddened to hear of the recent passing of Don Emilio Flores Márquez from Puerto Rico, who held the title for the oldest person living (male).
Known affectionately as "Don Millo", he died on 12 August 2021, just four days after his 113th birthday. He attributed his longevity to living "a compassionate life".
"My dad raised me with love, loving everyone", Don Millo told Guinness World Records.
"He always told me and my brothers to do good, to share everything with others!"
Born on 8 August 1908, in Carolina, Puerto Rico, Márquez was the second-oldest of 11 children born to Alberto Flores Melendez and Margarita Márquez-Garcia.
His record was confirmed on 30 June 2021, when he was 112 years and 326 days old.
"I'm pleased to say that we were able to honour Sr. Márquez's record-breaking age in Guinness World Records 2022, and to share his story with the world," said Craig Glenday, Editor-in-Chief at Guinness World Records .
"We also had the opportunity to connect with his family, who received the official GWR certificate on his behalf."
"Passing at the remarkable age of 113 years old, Millo, as he was known, is only the second man from Puerto Rico confirmed to have exceeded 111 years, and he was a father figure for his beloved country, if not the world. He was blessed with a positive and loving outlook on life and appreciated the importance of family" - Craig Glenday
"Emilio Flores Márquez is the last validated man confirmed to have been born in 1908 and one of the twenty oldest males on record, all-time," added Robert Young, the Senior Gerontology Consultant for Guinness World Records.
Researchers are currently confirming the successor to the title, and further information will follow soon.
The oldest person ever to have lived is Jeanne Calment (France), who lived to be 122 years and 164 days.
The oldest man ever is Jiroemon Kimura (Japan), who was born on 19 April 1897 and passed away at the age of 116 years and 54 days on 12 June 2013.
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