| Irene Ciuffoletti | |
 | |
| Birth: | 19 January 1903 Basilicata, Italy |
| Death: | 7 May 2016 Greensburg, Pennsylvania, USA |
| Age: | 113 years, 109 days |
| Country: |  ITA  USA
|
| Validated | |
Irene Ciuffoletti (née Zito; 19 January 1903 – 7 May 2016) was a validated Italian-American supercentenarian. At age 113 years, 109 days, she was the third-oldest living person born in Italy, after Emma Morano and Giuseppina Projetto-Frau.
Early life
Irene Maria was born in the Italian region of Basilicata to parents Frank and Frances Zito, on 19 January 1903. She had at least three sisters and two brothers.
In 1912, while she and her family were living in a town called Sant’ Arsenio, they decided to emigrate. They came to Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, United States. The reason for the move was that her father had received a job offer from the metal company of Alcoa. One of the workers at Frank’s job was Emiliano Ciuffoletti, another Italian native. One day, while Irene was deliviring food there, she met Emiliano. They married in 1921. The couple had five children in total; all sons.
Later years
In 1957, Irene became a widow after Emilio’s death. Until her first centenarian years, she was still able to cook.
At the time of her 110th birthday, she was reported to poor hearing, but sharp mind and in overall good health. She was wheelchaired at the time. She confessed to be astounded at her own longevity, although it was mentioned that she never drank alcohol nor smoked during her life. She has also attributed her long life to ”eating a lot of Italian food” as well as living a ”good, Christian life.”
As of January 2016, she was living at a nursing home in Pennsylvania called St. Anne Home since 2008. Her youngest son, Julius, was the only child still alive.
Ciuffoletti died in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, USA, on 7 May 2016 at the age of 113 years, 109 days.
Irene Ciuffoletti is the third oldest validated Italian emigrant to the United States behind Dina Manfredini and Amalia Barone.
References
- Gerontology Research Group
- Former Valley resident a 'super' supercentenarian Trib Live, 21 January 2013
- Local woman turns 111, credits longevity to eating Italian food WPXI, 20 January 2014
- Irene Ciuffoletti - Accompanied by her son, Julius Collective Legacy Project