Bernabé Córdoba, the oldest living man in Costa Rica, passed away today in Salitral, Santa Ana canton, San José province, at the age of 111 years, 148 days.
Bernabé Córdoba was born in Liberia, Guanacaste, Costa Rica on 11 June 1915, to a single mother Carolina Córdoba. When he was young, he lived in Guayabo de Bagaces, Guanacaste, with his mother and sister, Lucila. He was orphaned at a young age, so he lived on a ranch as a day laborer, — he assisted his family in growing sugar cane, which he would grind in their sugar press. He worked for over 45 years for the Banana Company, caring for and transporting livestock for domestic consumption. He never married but had a partner Ofelia Vargas Valles, a cook for day laborers, with whom he had two daughters, Zaida and Sara.
His diet was based on products made from corn, rice, beans, and tubers, as well as fish from artisanal fishing, beef, and cow’s milk derivatives. Among his favorite hobbies was making quijongos (musical instrument) and jícaros guacales (a small traditional container). He was an experienced veterinarian serving the community and loved listening to music on the radio. In 1976, at the age of 61, he moved with his family to Salitral.
Following the death of 110 year old Juan Gabriel Hernández Matamoros on 20 January 2024, he became the oldest documented and undisputed living man in Costa Rica.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Bernabé Córdoba during this difficult time.
