Joe Veselsky, the oldest living man in Ireland, passed away in Booterstown, Dublin on 3 January, at the age of 107 years, 75 days.
Jozef (Joe) Veselsky was born in Trnava (in present-day Slovakia), on 20 October 1918, just eight days before the proclamation of Czechoslovakia’s independence on 28 October. Tragically, he lost his family at a young age—his mother, father, and brother perished in the Auschwitz concentration camp. He later joined the Slovak National Uprising, though he openly admitted that he didn’t feel like a hero at the time and was fully aware of the danger he faced.
After the war, he became the captain of the Czechoslovak table tennis team. Life under the political regime was challenging, yet in August 1949, with little English and no business experience, Joe successfully emigrated to Ireland. There, he founded what would become a thriving jewelry business. He married Katarina, known as Kathy, and together they had two children, Peter and Kate. He was widowed in 2009.
On 9 October 2024, following the passing of 108-year-old Martin McEvilly, he became the oldest (known) living man in Ireland. He was also the world’s oldest known Slovakian-born man.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Joe Veselsky during this difficult time.
