BIOGRAPHY

Giovanni La Penna was born in Roseto Valfortore, Apulia, Italy, on 29 October 1909. At some point, he married Giovannina Sbrocchi, who passed away in 1984. The couple had four children (two sons and two daughters).

At the age of 100, he remained remarkably fit and continued to personally tend to his garden, diligently hoeing a small plot of land beneath a fig tree. Despite his age, he still found the strength to till the soil, harvest the fruits of his labor, and enjoy conversations with his lifelong friends. On 1 November 2009, a special Mass was held in his honor at a local church, during which he was presented with a commemorative plaque by the Municipality of Roseto Valfortore. At the time, he had 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He was an honorary member of the Giustitalia Association and had a deep passion for politics. Even as a centenarian, he never missed the opportunity to vote in an election. On 20 September 2020, at 110, he voted in the Apulian regional elections.

Giovanni La Penna passed away in Roseto Valfortore, Apulia, Italy, on 28 December 2020, at the age of 111 years, 60 days.

RECOGNITION

On 21 March 2020, following the passing of 110-year-old Giovanni Quarisa, he became the oldest living man in Italy, at the age of 110 years, 144 days. He held the title until his own passing in December 2020, when he was succeeded by Antonino Turturici (18 January 1912 – 23 September 2021). However, he was not the oldest living Italian-born man, as Delio Venturotti of Brazil survived him.

On 25 October 2020, following the passing of 111-year-old Carmela Villani, he became the oldest living person in Apulia.

La Penna’s age was verified by Paolo Scarabaggio and validated by the ESO on 3 November 2020.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Roseto, compie 100 anni nonno Giovanni” – Lucerabynight, 30 October 2009

* “L’UOMO VENUTO DA LONTANO I 110 anni di Giovanni La Penna” – Radio Centro Roseto

* “L’elettore più anziano d’Italia è della provincia di Foggia: ha quasi 111 anni, si chiama Giovanni La Penna” – FoggiaToday, 20 September 2020

* “E’ morto ‘Zio Giovanni’, l’uomo più anziano d’Italia nato e vissuto a Roseto Valfortore: aveva 111 anni e 60 giorni” – FoggiaToday, 28 December 2020

GALLERY