Ilie Ciocan of Romania (1913-2026), potential World’s Oldest Man, dies at 112.

We are saddened to report the passing of Ilie Ciocan, the oldest living man in Europe and believed to have been the oldest living man in the world. He passed away on 27 May 2026 at the age of 112 years, 351 days.

Ilie Ciocan was born on 28 May 1913 (O.S.) / 10 June 1913 (N.S). He lived through more than a century of extraordinary history, witnessing generations of change and leaving behind a remarkable legacy of longevity and resilience. His life was an inspiration to many within the longevity and supercentenarian community around the world.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew him.

Rest in peace, Ilie.

Potential World’s Oldest Man status

Ilie Ciocan may have been the oldest living man in the world following the death of Josino Levino Ferreira of Brazil. Ilie Ciocan was the oldest man whose age had been fully documented and validated by an independent non-profit scientific research organization.

While there are older age claims worldwide, the Gerontology Research Group (GRG) does not currently possess sufficient documentation to validate those cases according to internationally accepted scientific standards of age verification.

Researchers and scientists from the GRG had the honor and privilege of personally visiting Ilie Ciocan and conducting his validation in close cooperation with his family. Through this process, his remarkable age and life history were carefully documented and confirmed.

Ilie’s passing marks the loss of an extraordinary individual whose life spanned more than a century of history. He will be remembered with great respect by the international longevity research community.