Supercentenarian Profile

Irene Ciuffoletti

Born:

1903-01-19

Lagonegro, Basilicata

Italy

Died:

2016-05-07

Greensburg, Pennsylvania

United States

✔ Age Certified by LongeviQuest

Irene Maria Sebastiana Ciuffoletti (née Zito) was an Italian-born American supercentenarian. Her age has been validated by the European Supercentenarian Organisation (ESO), and recognised by LongeviQuest.

BIOGRAPHY

Irene Ciuffoletti was born in Lagonegro, Basilicata, Italy, on 19 January 1903, to parents Francesco and Francesca Zito. She had two brothers (Michael and Salvatore Zito) and five sisters (Rose Pessolano, Pauline Zupo, Jennie Bosso, Vincie Reynolds, and Antoinette Zito). Her family immigrated to the United States from Italy in 1912.

Irene met her future husband while delivering lunches to her father, who worked at the Alcoa plant in New Kensington, Pennsylvania. Emilio Ciuffoletti, a coworker of her father’s, became her husband, and the couple married in 1921. Together, they raised five sons. Irene shared her cooking and baking talents with her parish, Mount Saint Peter Church, contributing to numerous parish festivals and events over the years. She and her husband were actively involved in the church for many years, and in addition to her culinary contributions, Irene was also a devoted member of the Adolorata Society. Her husband passed away in 1957.

As of her 110th birthday in 2013, it was reported that although she was hard of hearing, her mind remained sharp and she was in good health. When asked about the secret to her longevity, she admitted she wasn’t quite sure. She jokingly suggested that perhaps it was because she wasn’t finished raising her son Julius yet. She never smoked or drank, remained active, and prayed often. She also continued to visit the chapel at her nursing home every day after breakfast.

Irene Ciuffoletti passed away at St. Ann’s Home in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, on 7 May 2016, at the age of 113 years, 109 days. She was survived by her son, Julius, as well as 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren.

RECOGNITION

On 3 July 2014, following the passing of Ida Schlesinger, she became the oldest known living person in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. Upon her own passing, she was succeeded by Delphine Gibson.

Ciuffoletti’s age was verified by the ESO on 22 September 2021.