SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) - Emiliano Mercado del Toro was born when Puerto Rico was still a Spanish colony and trained as a soldier the year World War I ended.
On Wednesday, having spent just a month as the world's oldest person, he died at his home on the northern coast of Puerto Rico, his grandniece, Dolores Martinez told The Associated Press. He was 115.
"He died like a little angel," Martinez said.
Mercado del Toro never married and had no children.
In the seaside town of Isabela, he became a local celebrity after he was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records for his longevity.
"We're all crying, but we knew this day would come," said town spokeswoman Rosa Luciano.
Mercado del Toro became the oldest known person in the world last month when 116-year-old Elizabeth "Lizzie" Bolden died in December in a nursing home in Tennessee.
A 114-year-old Connecticut woman, Emma Faust Tillman, is now believed to be the oldest living person. She was born Nov. 22, 1892.
Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press
El Senor nos bendicio con su presencia por alguna razon muy bella y especifica. Se que estas descansando en paz y espero que la juventud no solo de Puerto Rico sino del mundo entero puedan segir su ejemplo.
Annette Mendez
February 01, 2009 | NYC, NY
I have just read an article about you! What an amazing man you were! Condolences to your family!
Karen Greenwalt
April 30, 2008 | Houston, TX
Remembered By
Randi T
March 07, 2008 | MI
You are an inspiration and a link to my history back in Puerto Rico
William Torres
February 09, 2008 | Lorain, OH
God had a purpose for you to live through 3 centires. How amazing. My your soul rest in peace and may God Bless your family and friends.
Bob Larkins Jr.
December 22, 2007 | Santa Rosa, CA
Remembered By
Joann Del Toro
September 18, 2007 | Yonkers, NY
May you rest in peace. My hearts goes out to the family.
Nancy Sines
July 05, 2007 | Seabrook, TX
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
victoria maldonado
June 18, 2007 | NJ
Remembered By
linda ford
January 30, 2007 | Bryan, TX
