“Dear Juan Vicente Pérez Mora, today with deep sadness and pain we say goodbye to you, this archetype of the Tachira man, humble, hardworking, pleasant, enthusiastic about family and tradition,” announced the governor of the state of Tachira, Freddy Bernal on his account on social network X.
Juan Vicente Pérez Mora died in the Venezuelan state of Tachira (860 kilometers west of Caracas, the capital of Venezuela), where he lived all his life, almost two months before his 115th birthday.
On the same social network, Freddie Bernal explains that he had “the pleasure and pride of meeting him and sharing him with his loved ones” and that this “friend” of his will always be remembered “for his optimism towards life, for his faith.” , for his hope and deep love” for Tachira.
“He will always be a symbol of kindness, wisdom and joy, and his legacy will live on forever in our hearts and in our lives,” he emphasizes.
A farmer by profession, Juan Vicente Pérez Mora was born on May 27, 1909 in El Cobre, Tachira state (860 kilometers southwest of Caracas), and on the occasion of his 113th birthday he revealed the secrets of his longevity. were: “Work hard, take a vacation, go to bed early, love God and keep him always present in your heart, and have a glass of miche.” [aguardente local] in a day”.
Juan Vicente was the ninth of ten children of Euticio del Rosario Pérez and Edelmira Mora and was known for his “excellent memory”, which led him to describe moments of his childhood, marriage and to recognize his brothers, children and grandchildren.
In 1997, he became the widower of Edifina García after 60 years of marriage and, apart from high blood pressure, according to his daughter Nelida Perez, he was in “very good health and did not suffer from any illnesses requiring medical treatment.” “.
Widely known as “Uncle Juan”, he loved to spend time with his relatives and friends, to whom he told stories and had long conversations. He had 11 children (six boys and five girls), 41 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren.
Juan Vicente was only 5 years old when he began helping his father and brothers grow sugar cane and coffee. He learned to read and write with the help of a notebook given to him by his teacher.
For 10 years he worked as a bailiff in Caricuena, solving family problems related to land and inheritance.
He listened to Latin music in his free time and took his first black and white photograph when he was 51 years old.
In May 2023, on the occasion of his 114th birthday, Juan Vicente received congratulations from Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Tachira Governor Freddy Bernal, and even several Venezuelan opposition politicians.