Michele Gai was an Italian supercentenarian who was the nation’s second-oldest living man at the time of his own death.
BIOGRAPHY
Michele Gai was born in Turin, Piedmont, Italy, on 23 December 1915.
For 35 years in Turin, he pursued a military career as a non-commissioned officer in the Army. In 1972, after being discharged, he moved to Liguria and settled in Cervo. There he began working as a pharmaceutical representative and commercial agent. He also served as secretary of the bocce club in San Bartolomeo al Mare.
In 2015, a celebration was held for his 100th birthday at the Centro Incontro, where he was presented with a commemorative plaque by the mayor of Cervo, Giampaolo Giordano. At 103, it was reported that, because of his age, he was required to renew his driver’s license every year—something he continued to do. Another source of pride for him was his ability to drive without glasses. He continued to drive without difficulty until the age of 104, often traveling to San Bartolomeo to play burraco, and stopped only with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Michele Gai passed away in Diano Castello, Liguria, on 26 May 2026, at the age of 110 years, 154 days.
RECOGNITION
His age has not been validated.
ATTRIBUTION
* “A 103 anni guida ancora e senza bisogno di occhiali: nel Dianese centenario “d’assalto”” – La Stampa, 23 December 2018
* “Michele Gai compie 110 anni: grande festa alla Casa di Riposo “Quaglia” di Diano Castello” – Corriere Torino, 23 December 2025
GALLERY
On his 110th birthday. (Source: Prima la Riviera)
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