BIOGRAPHY

Joaquim Illas Illas was born in Blanes, Catalonia, Spain, on 26 July 1909. During his life, he was affectionately nicknamed “Falet” or “Rafalet,” a diminutive of his father’s name, Rafel. Illas was the eldest of four brothers. While still in school, he began sewing espadrilles, a key industry in Blanes at the time. His father was a sailor, and his mother managed a small shop. He spent seven years in the mechanical workshop of the Can Tosas factory and later worked in another smaller business. When work became scarce, he moved to Bordeaux, France, for a year, where he repaired ships as a lathe operator. This expertise allowed him to serve during the Civil War in the war industries, working between Arenys de Mar and Blanes.

Around 1950, after many years in factories and workshops, Illas decided to dedicate himself entirely to the family shop, a venture in which his wife played a crucial role.

Joaquim Illas Illas passed away in Blanes, Catalonia, on 13 July 2020, at the age of 110 years, 353 days.

RECOGNITION

At the time of his passing, he was the second-oldest living man in Spain, after Saturnino de la Fuente García.

His age has not been validated.

ATTRIBUTION

* “En Falet, testimoni de 106 anys de vida a Blanes” – Diari Ara, 29 January 2016

* “L’home més longeu de Blanes, Joaquim Illas, celebra el seu 108è aniversari” – Ajuntament de Blanes, 27 July 2017

* “Joaquim Illas, l’home més gran de Catalunya, fa 110 anys i ho celebra en família” – 3Cat, 27 July 2019

* “Muere el hombre más longevo de España a los 110 años” – La Vanguardia, 13 July 2020

GALLERY