Europe’s Oldest Man Dies One Day Before His 113th Birthday

The Life of Ilie Ciocan

According to Главком: Ilie Ciocan, recognized as the oldest man in Europe, passed away just 24 hours shy of turning 113. Born on May 28, 1913, in the Romanian village of Cremenari, he was orphaned at age 12. At 18, he married Floarea Obogean, who was seven years his senior. The couple wed on January 28, 1932, and together they had six children-three sons and three daughters. His wife died in 1992.

Military Service and Achievements

During World War II, Ciocan was drafted into the Romanian army, serving as a liaison officer, machine gunner, and infantryman. After the war, he attained the rank of major and worked in construction. Notably, he never smoked or drank alcohol. Even at age 93, he was still riding a bicycle-though a broken leg briefly slowed him down, he recovered quickly.

On November 25, 2024, he was officially named the oldest man in Europe. Following the death of Dumitru Comanescu on January 16, 2025, Ciocan also became Romania’s all-time longevity record holder, surpassing Comanescu’s lifespan of 111 years and 219 days. His life stands as a testament to resilience and longevity, inspiring widespread admiration. Among other notable long-lived individuals is 95-year-old Mykola Shumeiko, a resident of the Rivne region.

Ciocan’s death highlights society’s growing fascination with extreme longevity and the stories of those who have lived through major historical events. His journey reflects not only personal milestones but also the collective memory of a generation that endured war and sweeping social change.

“Studying individuals like him can help identify factors that promote longevity and sustained activity in old age.” - Source not cited

Given his active lifestyle well into his later years, Ciocan has become a symbol of health and endurance, inspiring younger generations to pursue healthier living.