The man considered the world’s oldest person passed away in Brazil, just a few days before his 128th birthday. Jose Paulino Gomes was born on August 4, 1895, in Pedra Bonita, a city in the state of Minas Gerais. Though his birth certificate no longer exists, the marriage certificate from 1917 confirms his birth date.

Despite some uncertainty from his family due to incorrect records in the country, officials believe Gomes’ age is accurate. The marriage certificate indicates he married at the age of 22, suggesting he was born before 1900.

Gomes survived two world wars and three pandemics before passing away due to multiple organ failure from old age. He leaves behind seven children, 25 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great-grandchildren.

Known for his simple and humble nature, Gomes preferred natural and farm-grown foods. He enjoyed raising poultry and pigs and cherished his rural lifestyle.

His last words were: “My life may be ending, but my love for whole human kind will live on forever.”