Ilie Ciocan becomes the oldest Romanian ever, breaking the previous record of Dumitru Comănescu (1908–2020) – 111 years, 219 days

Ilie Ciocan photographed on New Year’s Eve 2025 (Photo courtesy of Mr. Ciocan’s closest family)

The Gerontology Research Group is pleased to announce news that Mr. Ilie Ciocan has set a new record, on 16 January 2025, at the age of 111 years, 220 days, surpassing the final age of Dumitru Comănescu (1908–2020) of 111 years, 219 days, becoming the oldest validated person ever in Romania.

Mr. Ilie Ciocan also has been recognized for several of the following titles:

As the oldest living man in Romania: On 15 February 2021, following the death of 108-year-old Ioan Lascău, Ciocan became the oldest living man in Romania.

As the oldest living man in the Balkans: On 15 March 2021, following the death of 108-year-old Stelios Fragiadoulakis of Greece, Ciocan became the oldest living man in the Balkans.

As the oldest living person in Romania: On 2 February 2022, following the death of 109-year-old Maria Mihai, Ciocan became the oldest living person in Romania.

As the oldest living person in the Balkans: On 5 April 2023, following the death of 111-year-old Ioanna Proiou-Dimitriadou of Greece, Ciocan became the oldest living person in the Balkans.

As the oldest living World War II veteran in in the world: On 30 January 2024, following the death of 111-year-old Japanese Tsuneji Ōyama, Ciocan became the oldest living world war II veteran in the world.

As the oldest living man in Europe: On 25 November 2024, following the death of 112-year-old British John Tinniswood, Ciocan became the oldest living man in Europe.

As Longevity recordholder for Romania: On 16 January 2025, at the age of 111 years, 220 days, Ciocan surpassed the final age of Dumitru Comănescu (1908–2020) of 111 years, 219 days, becoming the oldest validated person ever in Romania.