Oldest serving governor in the United States, Tinton Falls of Vito Perillo, has passed away at the age of 100 while in office. Perillo, a World War II veteran, was in his second word as mayor of the New Jersey town, according to the New York Post.
Perillo was born in 1924, served in the US Navy during World War II, and worked as an electrical expert before joining his brother. His commitment to the company did not end with his military service; instead, he eventually switched to local politics, when the majority of people would have long since retired.
He ran for governor of Tinton Falls in Monmouth County at the age of 93, motivated by fears about rising income in his hometown. He campaigned diligently, going door-to-door handing out hundreds of flyers and apparently wearing out two pairs of shoes in the process. His unwavering resolve paid off in 2017 when he won the election of Gerald Turning, the city’s mayor, by merely over 300 seats.
” They tell me I’m the oldest president in the country”, Perillo said after his re-election in 2021 at the age of 97. ” I’m feeling really nice, and I think everybody in the town feels good, too. They were all delighted for me this day”.
Despite his enthusiasm, he made a statement in September that he would not get a second term after turning 100.
His departure has received a fervor from the state and local officials.
New Jersey governor Phil Murphy even honoured Perillo’s tradition, writing:” Greatly saddened by the passing of our world’s oldest governor, Vito Perillo, at the age of 100. As a Tinton Falls president and former World War II official, Vito leaves behind an amazing legacy of support. His family and the whole Tinton Falls area are in our hearts.
” It is with profound sadness that we announce the departure of governor Vito Perillo, a man of integrity, and a beloved member of our community”, Tinton Falls Borough Administrator Charles Terefenko said in a statement.
” For the past eight years, he served diligently, constantly striving to do what was right for the people he represented. To those who knew him personally, he was more than just a leader—he was a friend, a coach, and an enthusiasm. His friendliness and devotion to the town will never be forgotten.
