The world’s oldest living man, John Alfred Tinniswood, has passed away at the age of 112, his family has confirmed. He died on Monday at the Southport care home where he had resided.
Tinniswood, a lifelong Liverpool football fan, became the world’s oldest man in April 2024, following the death of Juan Vicente Pérez Mora at 114. Born on August 26, 1912, the same year the Titanic sank, Tinniswood was recognized as the UK’s oldest man in 2020 and held the Guinness World Record for the oldest living man.
His family shared that his final day was “surrounded by music and love.” Tinniswood leaves behind a daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Known for his intelligence, bravery, and talent in mathematics, he served in the Royal Army Pays Corps during World War II, assisting with logistical tasks and auditing.
After the war, Tinniswood worked for Royal Mail and as an accountant for Shell and BP, retiring in 1972. He enjoyed an active retirement, volunteering as a church elder and delivering sermons at Blundellsands United Reform Church.
Tinniswood remained active in his later years, taking long walks and attributing his longevity to luck. A devoted Liverpool FC fan, he witnessed almost all of the club’s 66 top-flight titles.
In his later years, he inspired fellow residents and staff at his care home with his kindness and zest for life. Since turning 100, Tinniswood received annual birthday cards from the British monarch.
The family added: “We would like to thank the many people in the UK and across the world who sent well wishes to John on his recent birthday.
“He really appreciated these birthday greetings and other messages of support.”
“John always liked to say thank you. So on his behalf, [we] thank 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.”
The family have requested any donations in his memory be made to Age UK, or to a charity of their own choice.
The oldest living man on record was Jiroemon Kimura, from Japan, who lived to the age of 116 years and 54 days. He died in 2013.
The world’s oldest living woman, and oldest living person, is Japan’s Tomiko Itooka, who is currently 116.
