The world’s oldest man, a British World War II veteran born shortly after the sinking of the Titanic, has passed away at the age of 112, according to his family.
John Tinniswood, who earned the title as the world’s oldest living man in April according to the New York Post, passed away on Monday surrounded by family and friends in his UK care home.
“His last day was surrounded by music and love,” his family told the Guinness World Records.
“John always liked to say thank you. So on his behalf, thanks to all those who cared for him over the years, including his carers at the Hollies Care Home, his GPs, district nurses, occupational therapist, and other NHS staff.”
John Tinniswood, the world’s oldest man, has died at the age of 112
Guinness World Records
He is survived by his daughter, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Tinniswood was born in Liverpool on August 26, 1912, shortly after the Titanic sank. He experienced two world wars, serving in the British Army Pay Corps during World War II.
He was the fourth-oldest British man in history and the world's oldest living WWII veteran.
The retired accountant attributed his longevity to moderation — and enjoying fish and chips every Friday. Even then, “it’s pure luck,” he said earlier this year.
“You either live long or you live short, and you can’t do much about it.”
He said earlier this year that he felt “no different” turning 112, saying: “I don’t feel that age, I don’t get excited over it. That’s probably why I’ve reached it.”
Tinniswood grew up in Liverpool, where he eventually met his wife, Blodwen, at a local dance. The couple got married in 1942, and their daughter, who is now 81 years old, was born the following year. His wife passed away in 1986 after 44 years of marriage.
After serving in the Pay Corps during the war, Tinniswood worked in accounts for Shell and BP until he retired in 1972 at 60, according to the Post.
Just before his 100th birthday, he relocated to The Hollies retirement home in Southport, a coastal town roughly 20 miles from his hometown of Liverpool, where he was fondly nicknamed a "chatterbox."
“His kindness and enthusiasm for life were an inspiration to the care home staff and his fellow residents,” his family told The Evening Standard.
The Post reported that beginning on his 100th birthday, he received a birthday card each year from the late Queen Elizabeth II, who was almost 14 years younger than him, until she passed away in 2022.
He previously urged younger generations to “always do the best you can” no matter what you are pursuing. “Give it all you’ve got. Otherwise it’s not worth bothering with.”
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and loved ones.
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