“Being 112 years old is not just an exceptional stage of a long life. That life encompassed more than a century of our Avigliano history, sacrifices and values of entire generations, and a deep connection with family, land, and our roots. I had the honor to share moments with him – especially on his birthdays – and I will always cherish memories of his smile, simplicity, and that true strength characteristic of the men of our region. Today we are not only saying goodbye to the oldest man in Italy. We are saying goodbye to one of our own – a resident of Avigliano who, by his very presence, became a symbol of our community and a living memory. On behalf of the municipal administration, the entire city of Avigliano, and myself, I express sincere condolences to his family and all who loved him,” said the mayor.
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As reported by the Italian broadcaster Rai, V. Lovallo worked from the age of 16 – initially as a shepherd, later as a mule driver. During World War II, he was sent to the front, and in 1943, according to ORF data, he was taken prisoner of war. It is reported that even at 106 years old, he worked daily in his vineyard. He lived with his daughters.
In May 2026, “Zito” – his nickname – was awarded a medal by the agricultural organization Coldiretti to mark the organization’s 80th anniversary.
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It has already been revealed who took over the title of the oldest man in Europe: the oldest European man became 111-year-old Portuguese Joaquim Varela. However, in this list, he ranks only 32nd among all the oldest living people in Europe. At the top of the list is 117-year-old British woman Ethel Caterham, currently the oldest woman in the world.
