England’s oldest man, Arthur Aspinall, has passed away peacefully at the age of 109, bringing to a close a remarkable life that spanned more than a century of British history.
Arthur died at home on June 1 surrounded by family and loved ones, just a few months before what would have been his 110th birthday.
Born on October 13, 1916, Arthur held the title of England’s oldest living man and was the second-oldest man in the United Kingdom. During his lifetime, he witnessed extraordinary changes across the world, living through the reigns of four British monarchs and the administrations of 24 UK prime ministers.
Raised in Bolton, Arthur grew up in a lower middle-class family and joined his father’s bolt and fasteners manufacturing business at just 14 years old. His dedication to the family company lasted more than seven decades before he eventually retired in 2006 at the age of 90.
In 1944, he married Constance Nellie Cheadle and together they raised two children. However, tragedy struck when Constance passed away in 1963 at the age of 45, leaving Arthur to continue life without his wife for more than six decades.
Family members have yet to announce funeral arrangements, which are expected to be released in the coming days.
Arthur’s passing comes shortly after the reported death of 125-year-old Peruvian farmer Marcelino “Mashico” Abad Tolentino, who was widely believed to be among the oldest men in the world. Tolentino died in April, just days before his 126th birthday.
Following Arthur’s death, the title of the world’s oldest living man is now held by 113-year-old Brazilian João Marinho Neto.
Meanwhile, the world’s oldest living person remains Ethel Caterham from the United Kingdom, who is currently 116 years old.
Arthur’s extraordinary journey stands as a testament to resilience, dedication and longevity, having lived through world wars, technological revolutions and generations of social change.
