BIOGRAPHY

Roger Gouzy was born in the commune of La Palme in the Aude department in southern France, on 23 July 1905. His parents were François Joseph Michel Gouzy (born 1872) and Rose Augustine Isabelle Espeut (born 1881).

On 27 June 1931, at 25, he married Odette Madeleine Denise Umeker in Montpellier. He worked in the textile industry in Sète. Even at 90, he continued tending his garden and maintained a healthy diet. A passionate musician, he loved music deeply and was part of a band in Sète.

When asked about the secret to his longevity, he replied: “I never smoked. I drank very little alcohol—just a glass of wine at noon, diluted with a bit of water. Chicory in the morning and again for an afternoon snack. Never coffee.”

Roger Gouzy passed away in Narbonne, on 12 January 2016, at the age of 110 years, 173 days.

RECOGNITION

On 17 January 2015, following the passing of Philippe Vocanson, he became the oldest living man in France, at the age of 109 years, 178 days. Upon his own passing, he was succeeded by Robert Bourdon (25 March 1906 – 9 March 2016).

Gouzy’s age was verified by Antoine Demarais and validated by the European Supercentenarian Organisation (ESO) on 23 February 2020.

ATTRIBUTION

* Roger GOUZY – geneanet

* “La Palme : du “109” pour le doyen des Français” – L’Indépendant, 20 January 2015

* “Décès à 110 ans du doyen des Français, Roger Gouzy” – Le Parisien, 14 January 2016

* “La Palme. Mort dans l’Aude de Roger, 110 ans : il était le doyen des Français” – La Dépêche, 15 January 2016

GALLERY