BIOGRAPHY

Vittoria Balbi was born in Roccagloriosa, Campania, Italy, on 15 December 1907. She spent most of her life in Salento before eventually relocating to the Municipality of Casal Velino. She married a man with the surname Gravina, and together they had five children—two sons and three daughters.

By the time she celebrated her 110th birthday in 2017, she reportedly still had a sharp memory and could recall stories about her friends from the past, as well as her experiences living through both World Wars.

She died in her home on 24 May 2018 at the age of 110 years, 160 days. She was survived by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

RECOGNITION

On her 108th birthday, Balbi was visited and congratulated by the mayors of Salento and Casal Velino.

On 21 July 2017, following the passing of 110-year-old Filomena Pascale, she became the oldest living resident of the region of Campania. Upon her passing, she was succeeded by Carmela Ruocco (4 February 1910 – 3 October 2018).

At the time of her death, Balbi was the second-oldest person ever to die in Campania after Teresa Ruberto, who died in 2007 aged 111 years, 53 days.

Balbi’s age was verified by Paolo Scarabaggio and validated by the ESO on 3 August 2021.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Il segreto di Vittoria, la nonnina del Cilento compie 110 anni” – Salerno Notizie, 17 December 2017

* “Vittoria muore a 110 anni, addio alla nonnina dei record” – Il Mattino, 26 May 2018

GALLERY