Cause of death Natural causes Nationality German, American | Name Carl Berner Role Supercentenarian | |
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Full Name Carl James Berner Born January 27, 1902 ( 1902-01-27 ) Stuttgart, Wurttemberg, Germany Residence New York, New York, USA Occupation Civic activist and toymaker Known for Being a supercentenarian Spouse(s) Margaret Berner (February 1915-June 1987)
m.1936–1987 (her death) Died January 7, 2013, New York City, New York, United States | ||
Carl James Berner (January 27, 1902 – January 7, 2013) was a German-born American supercentenarian, civic activist, and former toymaker.
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Early life and career
Carl James Berner was born in Stuttgart, then in the Kingdom of Württemberg in the German Empire, on January 27, 1902. After his parents died from tuberculosis, his maternal grandmother moved him to France. In 1912, his paternal grandmother moved him back to Germany. In school, Carl studied mechanical manufacturing, among other things. In 1928, he left Germany and moved to the United States. His first job in the United States was as the Night Building Superintendent at the Chrysler Building. He was offered by the U.S. government to become a foreign agent in 1933, but he rejected their offer. During the Great Depression, Berner created a toy-making business which later became a large success. Businesses and younger workers sought advice from him in regards to toy-making throughout his career.
Personal life and later life
Berner married Margaret, a woman of Scandinavian descent, in 1936, and had a daughter named Emily, who lived with her father. In 1938, Berner and Margaret moved to Middle Village, where he lived when he died. Berner was an active participant in the Juniper Park Civic Association for over 60 years. Berner walked two miles daily on average, which he said, along with his willingness to help others, was the secret to his longevity.
Berner died in New York City on January 7, 2013, a few weeks before his 111th birthday.