Guinness World Records are saddened to hear that Saturnino de la Fuente García (Spain) has passed away at his house at the age of 112 years and 341 days.

The news has been confirmed by Senior Gerontology Consultant Robert Young, who also helped confirm Saturnino’s record as the oldest person living (male) in September 2021.

The record holder was announced as the oldest man living at exactly 112 years and 211 days.

Born in the neighbourhood of Puente Castro, Leon, on the 11th of February 1909, Saturnino – also known as “El pepino” – married Antonina Barrio Gutiérrez in 1933.

With Antonina, he lived a kind and long life "without hurting anyone" (which Saturnino himself defined the secret of his longevity) and had seven daughters.

He would have celebrated his 113th birthday at the beginning of next month.

Thanks to his short height, only 1.50 m (4.92 ft), Saturnino recounts that he avoided being enlisted into the 1936 Spanish Civil War and, instead, established a flourishing shoemaker business.

That is how El Pepino’s (a shortened version for Peña, the name of Saturnino’s mother) craftsman skills brought him to create boots for the army and to become a famous artisan in the area.

When he wasn’t occupied with his successful business, Saturnino cultivated another passion: playing soccer.

Always a supporter of Leon’s team Cultural Leonesa, he also co-founded Puente Castro’s local team.

His teammates, to honour his 110th birthday, paid homage to Saturnino and celebrated him as the oldest member of the club.

Guinness World Records send their deepest condolences to Saturnino's family.

His memory lives on in his seven daughters, 14 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.