Vito Perillo, the oldest mayor in the United States, passed away on Saturday night at the age of 100 while serving his second term as the mayor of Tinton Falls, New Jersey. Born in 1924, Perillo lived a life marked by dedication and service from his early days in the US Navy during World War II to his later years as a civil engineer and, ultimately, a mayor.

Perillo’s journey into politics was anything but typical. At the age of 93, he embarked on a grassroots campaign to become the mayor of Tinton Falls, a feat he accomplished in 2017. His campaign was notable for its vigor, with Perillo going door-to-door, distributing thousands of flyers and reportedly wearing two pairs of shoes during his efforts. He won the election by a margin of just over 300 votes, defeating incumbent mayor Gerald Turning.

A legacy of leadership

Perillo’s leadership was marked by his commitment to the people of Tinton Falls. He was re-elected for a second term in 2021 at the age of 97, a testament to his enduring popularity and dedication to public service. When asked about his status as the oldest mayor in the country, Perillo humbly noted, “They tell me I’m the oldest mayor in the country. I’m feeling pretty good, and I think everybody in the borough feels good, too. They were all happy for me this morning.”

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Tinton Falls Borough Administrator Charles Terefenko reflected on Perillo’s tenure, stating, “For the past eight years, he served assiduously, always striving 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.”

Tributes pour in

The news of Perillo’s passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes from across the state. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy expressed his condolences, 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.”

Perillo’s decision not to seek re-election was announced in September 2023, when he turned 100, marking the end of an era for Tinton Falls. His legacy, however, will continue to inspire future generations of leaders and residents alike.

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