America's oldest serving Mayor dies at 100: Secrets behind his long and healthy life

Tinton Falls Mayor Vito Perillo, the oldest serving mayor in the United States died on Saturday night at the age of 100. A World War II veteran, his passion for community and energy levels defied the limits of age. An inspiration to many, twice elected as Tinton Falls Mayor at the age of 93 and 97, he proved that it is never too late to start anew.
Remarkably active even at the age of 93, he was known to go door to door handing out thousands of flyers during his election campaign in 2017. It is reported that he walked so much during that time that he wore off two pairs of his shoes.

Perillo was born in 1924 in the Bronx to Italian immigrants. He served in the US Navy during World War II before embarking on a long career as a civil engineer. But instead of opting for a quiet retirement, he made history by running for mayor of Tinton Falls at the age of 93.
Perillo often credited his job for his energy levels and zest for life. In a 2021 interview with People, he said: "I love my job. It keeps me alive, actually. It keeps me going."

The war veteran lost his wife Mae in 2013, but the close bond developed at work with people gave him a reason to wake up every morning and be in a happy space.
"They became like a family or me, you know?" he said in the interview. "They're like my brothers, my sisters, my daughters. We get along so well. It gives me a place to do something, to get up in the morning."
One of the key factors behind Perillo’s longevity was his active lifestyle. Well into his 90s, he worked out twice a week, walked regularly, and played golf with his grandson.

After the war, he earned his college degree, and worked for 38 years at the Defense Department. He retired in 1980. In 1960, he and his wife Mae settled in Tinton Falls and raised two daughters.
Perillo also loved to spend time with his four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was especially close to his 35-year-old grandson Michael with whom he often played gold. At 93, Perillo was the best man at Michael's wedding. He also went to lunch every Wednesday with his 28-year-old granddaughter Marlana, he revealed in the 2021 interview.

Perillo didn't follow diets or eat specific foods. He emphasised moderation and consistency in his meals. “I don’t eat a special diet,” he admitted, though he looked forward to the home-cooked meal his daughter brought for him. His daughter Anna Mae also noted that he remained engaged with life and current events, which kept his mind sharp.
The oldest mayor of the US said that he took each day as it came and never worried too much about the future. “You do what you got to do. I take every day day-by-day. I don’t think about tomorrow,” he often said.
"The thing about my age is that, when people read about it and hear about it, they're encouraged. They say, 'If he can do it …' I get a lot of letters. People all over the country, actually," he said in the 2021 interview.