Oldest serving mayor in the United States, Tinton Falls of Vito Perillo, has passed away at the age of 100 while in office. Perillo was a World War II veteran and was in his second term leading the New Jersey borough, New York Post reports.
Perillo was born in 1924, he served in the US Navy alongside his brother during World War II before working as an electronics engineer. His dedication to service did not end with his military career, as he later turned to local politics—at an age when most would have long retired.
At 93, he ran for mayor of Tinton Falls in Monmouth County, inspired by concerns over rising taxes in his community. He campaigned tirelessly, going door-to-door handing out thousands of flyers and reportedly wearing out two pairs of shoes in the process. His determination paid off in 2017 when he defeated incumbent mayor Gerald Turning by just over 300 votes.
“They tell me I’m the oldest mayor in the country,” Perillo said after his re-election in 2021 at the age of 97. “I’m feeling pretty good, and I think everybody in the borough feels good, too. They were all happy for me this morning.”
Despite his energy, he announced in September that after turning 100, he would not seek a third term.
His passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes from state and local leaders.
New Jersey governor Phil Murphy also honoured Perillo’s legacy, writing: “Deeply saddened by the passing of our nation’s oldest mayor, Vito Perillo, at the age of 100. As a World War II veteran and mayor of Tinton Falls, Vito leaves behind an incredible legacy of service. Our hearts go out to his loved ones and the entire Tinton Falls community.”
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of mayor 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 assiduously, always 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 mentor, and an inspiration. His warmth and love for the borough will never be forgotten.”
