Arturo Licata , world’s oldest man, dies at 111

London: The world’s oldest man has died in Italy at the age of 111, just days before celebrating his 112th birthday, Guinness World Records said.

Arturo Licata was awarded the Guinness World Records title of oldest living man on February 28, 2014 at the age of 111 years and 302 days.

“It’s sad to hear of the passing of Signor Licata - a man born before the Wright brothers’ first powered flight, and one of only four men older than 111,” said Craig Glenday, Guinness World Records Editor-in-Chief.

Mr. Licata passed away on April 24, aged 111 years and 357 days.

He is survived by seven children, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. His wife Rosa passed away in 1980, when Licata was 78 years old.

Mr. Licata was born on May 2, 1902 in the southern Italian city of Enna. At the age of nine he went to work in the mines and, in 1921, aged 19, he joined the Italian army.

Mr. Licata’s military service finished in 1939 and he went on to enjoy a successful career in business.

Currently 115-year-old female, Misao Okawa of Japan, is recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest living person. She was born March 5, 1898 and lives in Osaka.

The greatest fully authenticated age to which any human has ever lived is 122 years, 164 days by Jeanne Louise Calment of France, who died in 1997.