Engraciano González Barroso

BIOGRAPHY

Engraciano González Barroso was born in Zamora, Castile and León, Spain, on 10 July 1915.

He joined Iberia Airlines on 20 December 1940, as a mechanical officer, becoming the company’s 330th employee. Just days after starting, he was assigned to accompany a Dragon Rapide short-haul airliner to Gran Canaria. He departed on 9 January 1941, operating the aircraft’s engines during the journey. They were careful to avoid entering the French-controlled zone, as World War II was still raging at the time. He spent the next three years working in the Canary Islands—a period during which he married his lifelong girlfriend and welcomed his first child.

After that, he returned to Madrid and continued his career at Barajas Airport, eventually becoming a section head for line maintenance technicians. He began working on aircraft such as the twin-engine Douglas DC-2 and the tri-engine Junkers JU-52. After 38 years of service with the company, he retired. In recognition of his dedication to Iberia, he was awarded a medal on 21 November 1969, and received a second one on 28 September 1973.

Shortly before his 109th birthday, he was visited by Dr. Manuel de la Peña, President of the European Institute of Health and Social Welfare. Dr. de la Peña believed that Engraciano’s longevity was largely influenced by his healthy habits and lifestyle—his epigenetics playing a key role. Engraciano reportedly followed a healthy, balanced diet and maintained an active daily routine, walking frequently, especially in the garden where he lived. He also had a remarkably positive attitude toward life. To keep his mind sharp, he regularly completed crossword puzzles and enjoyed playing dominoes.

RECOGNITION

His age has not been validated.

ATTRIBUTION

* “104 años enamorado de Iberia” – Grupo Iberia, 29 July 2019

* “Engraciano desvela las claves para llegar a los 108 años” – OkDiario, 24 April 2024

* “Engraciano: un madrileño que cumple 110 años” – Telemadrid, 10 July 2025

GALLERY

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