Ilie Ciocan
Oldest living person in Romania (born 1913)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ilie Ciocan (born 10 June [O.S. 28 May] 1913) is a Romanian supercentenarian[1][2] who, at the age of 112 years, 322 days, is the oldest living World War II veteran, the second-oldest living man in the world after João Marinho Neto of Brazil, and the oldest Romanian person ever.[3]
10 June 1913
(age 112 years, 322 days)
- Oldest living World War II veteran
- Oldest living European man
- Oldest Romanian person ever
Ilie Ciocan | |
|---|---|
Ciocan on 27 December 2025 | |
| Born | Ilie Ciocan 10 June 1913 (age 112 years, 322 days) |
| Known for |
|
| Spouse |
Floarea Obogeanu
(m. 1932; died 1992) |
| Children | 6 |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance | Kingdom of Romania |
| Branch | Romanian Land Forces |
| Service years | 1935–1945 |
| Rank | Major |
| Conflicts | World War II |
Biography
Early life
Ilie Ciocan was born in the village of Cremenari, Galicea, Vâlcea County, Romania on 10 June [O.S. 28 May] 1913. He was orphaned as a child[4][5] and began work as a shepherd to survive.[6]
In January 1932, at the age of 18, he married Floarea Obogeanu, who was seven years his senior. Together they had six children, three daughters and three sons. His wife died in 1992, aged 86.[7]
Military service
Ciocan was drafted into the army at the age of 22, drafted into the 6th Artillery Regiment Pitești in 1935, and sent to the front in 1941. He participated in World War II as a machine-gunner and courier on the Eastern Front, in Odesa and the Don elbow, but also went to the Western Front and even as far as Czechoslovakia.[8]
Following orders of general promotion issued after 1990 by the Ministry of National Defense of Romania, Ciocan reached the rank of major.
Health and longevity
Ciocan could ride a bicycle until 90 years old. At the age of 93, he slipped in the snow and broke his leg, and recovered, despite refusing to let the doctors put his leg in a cast.[9]
Ciocan became the oldest living man in Europe following the death of 112-year-old Briton John Tinniswood on 25 November 2024.[10] On 16 January 2025, he surpassed the final age of Dumitru Comănescu (1908–2020) of 111 years, 219 days, becoming the oldest validated person ever from Romania.[11]