Morrie Markoff
- Full name: Morrie Markoff
- Lifespan: (11.01.1914 – 03.06.2024)
- Age: 110 years, 144 days
- Birthplace: New York City, New York, USA
- Last residence: Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, USA
- Application date: 11.01.2024
- Validation date: 18.01.2024
- Validation source: Dejan Vujić/Oliver Trim/Waclaw Jan Kroczek
Biography
Morrie Markoff entered this world in a New York City tenement on 11 January 1914, overcoming an early challenge when his oldest brother succumbed to the Spanish flu. Although he too fell ill, Markoff managed to survive the ordeal.
Guided by his Russian-born father, he initially trained as a machinist. However, with the onset of the Great Depression, Markoff navigated various jobs before settling into a role as a vacuum repairman. In Los Angeles, California, on 4 November 1938, he exchanged vows with Betty Goldmintz, and together they welcomed two children, Judith Hansen (born 1941) and Steven Markoff.
During World War II, Markoff served as a military machinist and later established a successful business in air conditioning and appliances.
Remarkably, Markoff, who had never received formal training as an artist, held his first gallery showing at the age of 100. Notably, he also had his initial book signing at 103.
As of April 2017, Morrie Markoff boasted five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Tragically, Betty died on 21 September 2019, at the age of 103, concluding nearly 81 years of marriage.
In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, Markoff, at 107, demonstrated resilience by receiving both doses of the vaccine, emphasizing the importance of health and well-being.
Markoff became the oldest living blogger in the world, following the death of 109-year-old Dagny Carlsson of Sweden on 24 March 2022.
In January 2024, surrounded by well-wishers, Markoff celebrated his 110th birthday, officially attaining supercentenarian status.
On 30 December 2023, following the death of 110-year-old Horace Baumer, he became the oldest living American-born man. Following following the death of 113-year-old Francis Zouein on 24 January 2024, he became the oldest known living man in the United States.
Morrie Markoff died in Los Angeles, California, USA on 3 June 2024 at the age of 110 years, 144 days.
Longevity recognition
- Doyen of the USA (24.01.2024 – 03.06.2024)
Validation
His age was verified by Dejan Vujić, Oliver Trim and Waclaw Jan Kroczek, and validated by the Gerontology Research Group (GRG) on 18 January 2024.
Morrie Markoff at the age of 108.
Morrie Markoff in May 1938, with his future wife Betty on their first date in New York/
Morrie Markoff in 1940s, with his wife Betty and their children Judith and Steven.
Morrie Markoff aged 99, with his wife Betty (aged 97) in September 2013.
Morrie Markoff, aged 102, on Betty’s 100th birthday in August 2016.
Morrie Markoff, aged 103, in March 2017.
Morrie Markoff, aged 103, signing copies of his book “Keep Breathing” at the LA Times Festival of Books at USC Saturday, 22 April 2017, Booth 35
Morrie Markoff at age 109.
Morrie Markoff at age 110.
Photo courtesy of Los Angeles Times.
