https://longeviquest.com/2025/11/ilie-ciocan-europes-oldest-man-validated-at-112/

Ilie Ciocan, Europe’s Oldest Man, Validated at 112

LongeviQuest is pleased to announce the age validation of Ilie Ciocan, 112, the oldest living man in Europe and Romania’s all-time longevity record holder.

Ilie Ciocan was born on 10 June 1913 in Cremenari, Vâlcea County, Romania. Orphaned young, he began working as a cowherd to survive and was cared for by his eldest brother, Alion. At 18, he married Floarea Obogeanu, with whom he had six children. Drafted at 22, he served in the 6th Pitești Artillery Regiment during World War II as a courier, gun crew member, and infantry assistant on both the Eastern and Western Fronts.

Discharged in 1945, he returned home in weakened health but without combat injuries. After 1990, he was granted the rank of major in retirement. His wife died in 1992. At 70, he underwent three surgeries in one day but remained active, cycling until nearly 90, until old war injuries limited his mobility.

On 25 November 2024, after the death of 112-year-old Briton John Tinniswood, Ciocan became the Oldest Living Man in Europe.

On 16 January 2025, at the age of 111 years and 220 days, Ciocan surpassed the final age of Dumitru Comănescu (1908–2020), who lived to 111 years and 219 days, becoming the oldest validated man — and the oldest validated person — in Romanian history. Eventually, on 12 April 2025, Ciocan became the oldest known person ever born in Romania.

• Update:

Oldest living people in Romania (106+)

As of 27 November 2025: (Iosif Rus turned 110, Maria Pînzariu and Viorica Vețian turned 109, Ion Banu and Ida Székely turned 107; RIP Elena Herghelegiu and Anica Bistriceanu)

1. Ilie Ciocan (Vâlcea) (b. 10 June 1913), 112 y.o.
2. Paladia Noja (Alba) (b. 20 July 1915), 110 y.o.
3. Iosif Rus (Cluj) (b. 28 October 1915), 110 y.o.
4. Ioana Lungu (Mehedinți) (b. 7 April 1916), 109 y.o.
5. Maria Pînzariu (Botoșani) (b. 1 August 1916), 109 y.o.
6. Viorica Vețian (Mureș) (b. 3 October 1916), 109 y.o.
7. Anastasia Tomșa (Maramureș) (b. 15 February 1917), 108 y.o.
8. Anonymous (Bucharest) (b. 24 September 1917), 108? y.o.
9. Ana Ianchici (Arad) (b. 10 February 1918), 107 y.o.
10. Anonymous (Mureș) (b. 23 April 1918), 107 y.o.
11. Ion Banu (Dâmbovița) (b. 1 August 1918), 107 y.o.
12. Ida Székely (Cluj) (b. 14 October 1918), 107 y.o.
13. Luxa Podoreanu-Dănilă (Buzău) (b. 16 February 1919), 106 y.o.
14. Maria Ailincăi (Neamț) (b. 25 March 1919), 106 y.o.
15. Anonymous (Vrancea) (b. 3 April 1919), 106 y.o.
16. Savu Stroe (Prahova) (b. 14 May 1919), 106 y.o.
17. Andone Ciupercă (Galați) (b. 29 June 1919), 106 y.o.
18. Ioan Beldi (Bucharest) (b. 12 August 1919), 106? y.o.

Anastasia Tomșa (b. 15 Feb 1917) of Maramureș

Elena Herghelegiu was the 6th oldest living person in the Balkans.
She is the 6th oldest person in Romanian history.
Does anyone have the source for Ida Székely's birthday?

@diego

Căminul de bătrâni Bădeni/Bágyoni Öregotthon

14. Oktober·

 

Isten éltesse a község és az öregotthon legidősebb lakóját, a 107 éves Ida nénit

Mr. Ion Banu of Dâmbovița sadly passed away on 25 December 2025, aged 107. 

He was the 3rd oldest living man in Romania.

After his death, Mr. Ciocan became the last man born in the Kingdom of Romania before 1919 and the last Romanian man born according to the old calendar.

https://www.gazetadambovitei.ro/actual/ion-banu-decanul-de-varsta-al-veteranilor-de-razboi-din-judet-s-a-stins-la-varsta-de-107-ani/

Rest in peace.

He passed away on 25 December.

His nephew, Ortensius Banu, confirmed that he passed away on Christmas Day.

Posted by: @ale76

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Mr. Ion Banu of Dâmbovița sadly passed away on 25 December 2025, aged 107.

He is the 18th oldest person in Romanian history.
He was the 61st oldest living man in Europe.

Rest in peace Mr Ion Banu.