Herbert Colledani, the oldest living man in Austria, passed away in Hermagor-Pressegger See, Carinthia, on 8 September, at the age of 107 years, 148 days.
Herbert Colledani was born in Kötschach-Mauthen, Carinthia, Austria, on 13 April 1919. Raised by his grandparents, Colledani decided to become a weaver and began an apprenticeship at the Pichler weaving mill in the Gitschtal Valley. However, at the age of 21, his life took a dramatic turn when he was drafted into military service during World War II.
Between 1940 and 1945, he was deployed to Russia, where hunger, wounded comrades, and death became his constant companions. Colledani himself was also wounded. After being shot in the foot, he was taken to a military hospital toward the end of the war and subsequently became an American prisoner of war in Germany. He eventually escaped from captivity and set off on foot for his home in Carinthia. More than 1,000 kilometers lay between Westphalia and the Gitschtal Valley. At the end of June 1945, he finally reached his homeland.
Following the difficult war years, a completely new chapter of his life began. In 1946, he married his wife, Anna. The couple remained married for 76 years and had three children. Colledani went on to make a name for himself professionally in Hermagor. As a master weaver, he ran his own weaving mill and became well known far beyond the town.
On 28 June 2026, following the passing of 107-year-old Josef Peham, he became the oldest living man in Austria. It is believed that Josef Winkler (born 24 July 1919) now holds the title following Colledani’s passing.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Herbert Colledani during this difficult time.
