LEON, Spain: Saturnino de la Fuente Garca, believed to be the world's oldest man, died on January 18 at age 112.

The announcement of his death was made by the Guinness World Records.

Garca died at home in Leon in Spain's north-western region. He died only weeks before his 113th birthday on 11 February.

Garcia became the world's oldest man in September 2021 when he was 112 years, 211 days.

Garca was born in Puente Castro, a locality within Leon, and repaired shoes as a profession, beginning work at age 13.

Guinness World Records recognized his birthday in February 2021 with a cake, as well as a certificate.

He attributed his long life to living "a quiet life and do not hurt anyone," as reported by Guinness.

Garca spoke of how remaining below five feet helped him evade being recruited for the military rebellion against the republican government in 1936.

Garca survived the 1918 Great Influenza epidemic and later fathered a son and 7 daughters, along with his spouse Antonina. Also, he was the grandfather of 14 children and great-grandfather to 22 children.

He was an enthusiastic soccer fan, remaining loyal to the Leon-based team, La Cultural.