Carl Berner (supercentenarian)
| Carl Berner | |
|---|---|
 Berner in 2004 | |
| Born |
Carl Berner January 27, 1902 Stuttgart, Württemberg, Germany |
| Died |
January 7, 2013 (aged 110 years, 346 days) New York, New York, USA |
| Nationality | German, American |
| Occupation | Civic activist and toymaker |
| Known for | Being a supercentenarian |
| Spouse(s) |
Margaret Berner (February 1915-June 1987) m.1936–1987 (her death) |
| Children | Emily Berner (born September 23, 1943) |
Carl Berner (January 27, 1902 – January 7, 2013[1]) was a German-born American supercentenarian,[2] civic activist, and former toymaker.[3] Before his death he was the second-oldest living American man whose age had been verified behind James McCoubrey.[2] He had also been the oldest living man in New York City for at least the last two years of his life.[4] At the time of his death he was the second-oldest verified German-born man ever,[citation needed] behind Hermann Dörnemann, who lived for 111 years and 279 days.[2][5]
Early life and career
Carl Berner was born in Stuttgart, then in the Kingdom of Württemberg in the German Empire, on January 27, 1902.[3] After his parents died from tuberculosis, his maternal grandmother moved him to France.[3] In 1912, his paternal grandmother moved him back to Germany.[3] In school, Carl studied mechanical manufacturing, among other things.[3] In 1928, he left Germany and moved to the United States.[3] His first job in the United States was as the Night Building Superintendent at the Chrysler Building.[3] He enjoyed his job despite the amount of work that it involved.[3] He was offered by the U.S. government to become a foreign agent in 1933, but he rejected their offer.[3] During the Great Depression, Berner created a toy-making business which later became a large success.[3] Businesses and younger workers sought advice from him in regards to toy-making throughout his career.[3]
Personal life and later life
Berner married Margaret (February 22, 1915-June 1987),[6] a woman of Scandinavian descent, in 1936, and had a daughter named Emily (born September 23, 1943), who lived with her father.[4][3] In 1938, Berner and Margaret moved to Middle Village, where he lived when he died.[4] Berner has been an active participant in the Juniper Park Civic Association for over 60 years.[3] Berner walked two miles daily on average, which he said, along with his willingness to help others, was the secret to his longevity.[3]
Death
Berner died in New York City on January 7, 2013, a few weeks before his 111th birthday.
References
- ↑ "Carl Berner, Queens supercentenarian and civic leader, dies at 110". Daily News. Retrieved January 8, 2013.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Table E, as of June 11, 2003". Gerentology Research Group. June 11, 2003. Retrieved September 7, 2012.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 "The Amazing Mr. Berner...At 107 He Makes Yet Another Comeback". JuniperCivic. Retrieved September 7, 2012.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Tantongco, Jano (March 19, 2010). "At 108, Still Pulsing With Vigor - NYTimes.com". The New York Times. Retrieved September 7, 2012.
- ↑ "Table B - Verified Supercentenarians". Gerontology Research Group. Retrieved 2012-09-23.
- ↑ ""United States Social Security Death Index," Margaret Berner, 1987". Familysearch. Retrieved September 7, 2012.