Who Was Jose Paulino Gomes? World's Oldest Man Dies at 127

Jose Paulino Gomes, a Brazilian man believed to be the world's oldest living person, passed away at the age of 127, as per the New York Post report. 

Gomes died on 28 July, Friday, just a week before his anticipated 128th birthday, at his home in Pedra Bonita in the state of Minas Gerais. The family cited organ failure due to his advanced age as the cause of his passing. On Saturday, He was laid to rest at Pedra Bonita's Corrego dos Filhos Cemetery.

Who Was Jose Paulino Gomes?

Jose Paulino Gomes was born on August 4, 1895, as documented in his 1917 marriage certificate from the Pedra Bonita registry office. Gomes lived through both World Wars and three pandemics, marking a truly remarkable life journey.

Willyan Jose Rodrigues de Souza, a local civil official, affirmed the accuracy of Gomes' age, stating that he was indeed born before 1900. However, Gomes' own family remains somewhat uncertain about his age due to previous instances of incorrect documentation, as reported by a local media source.

According to Gomes' granddaughter, Eliane Ferreira, speaking to Brazilian news outlets, a 98-year-old woman claims to have known him since his childhood. This assertion piqued the family's curiosity, leading them to seek confirmation of Gomes' true age by investigating the records at the registry office. Ferreira explained, "He definitely was over 100 years old, at least 110. Now we need to know how it will be recorded on the death certificate."  

The New York Post report indicates uncertainty regarding whether Guinness World Records will assess the Brazilian man's documentation. As per Guinness World Records, the title of the oldest living person is held by 116-year-old María Branyas Morera from Spain, born on March 4, 1907. The record for the oldest living man is attributed to Juan Vicente Perez Mora from Venezuela, who is 114 years old.

Gomes had a background as an animal tamer, and his family attests that he remained active in horse riding until just four years ago. Described as unpretentious and down-to-earth, Gomes had a preference for non-industrialised items, favouring those from rural origins. He took pride in cultivating his own chickens and pigs, relying on locally sourced food and beverages.

His legacy lives on through his seven children, 25 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great-grandchildren, a testament to the extensive family network he leaves behind.

Suggested Reading: First Black Female State Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver Passes Away