Lazare Ponticelli, Italian-French soldier and supercentenarian (b. 1897)

Lazare Ponticelli, born Lazzaro Ponticelli in a small Italian village on December 24, 1897 (though later sources sometimes mistranscribed it as December 7), led an extraordinary life that spanned over a century and witnessed some of history's most defining moments. He would ultimately become a Knight of Vittorio Veneto, and at the venerable age of 110, he was recognized as France's last officially surviving veteran of the First World War, truly the final poilu of its brutal trenches to pass away. His journey began early, as he bravely traveled to France on his own at just eight years old. The spirit of adventure and perhaps necessity defined his youth, leading him to make a momentous decision at sixteen. In 1914, at the outbreak of the Great War, he deliberately lied about his age to enlist in the French Army, a testament to his burgeoning loyalty and courage. However, fate had other plans; the following year, he was transferred against his will to the Italian Army, finding himself on a different front but still amidst the global conflict.

After the guns fell silent and Europe began the arduous task of rebuilding, Lazare Ponticelli channeled his resilience into entrepreneurship. Alongside his brothers, he founded Ponticelli Frères (Ponticelli Brothers), a piping and metal work company that would not only endure but thrive. This enterprise played a vital role, notably producing supplies for the Allied effort during the Second World War. Remarkable for its longevity and success, the company was still flourishing as of 2021, a tangible legacy of the Ponticelli family's hard work. But Ponticelli's commitment to France didn't end with business; he also actively worked with the French Resistance, bravely opposing the Nazi occupation, demonstrating a lifelong dedication to justice and freedom.

In his later years, Lazare Ponticelli held the unique distinction of being the oldest living man of Italian birth and the oldest man residing in France at the time of his passing on March 12, 2008. His commitment to remembrance was unwavering; every Armistice Day until 2007, he faithfully attended ceremonies honoring his fallen comrades, a solemn link to a fading past. Despite his decorated service, Ponticelli grew to profoundly criticize war, viewing it with a pragmatic and somber perspective. He famously kept his First World War awards, not in a place of honor, but humbly stored in a shoe box, symbolizing his belief that the real heroes were those who never returned. When the French government offered him a prestigious state funeral, he initially felt unworthy, a testament to his humility. However, he eventually accepted, but with a crucial condition: he asked that the procession should emphasize the common soldiers, the countless lives lost on the battlefield. French President Nicolas Sarkozy honored this poignant wish, dedicating a plaque to these unsung heroes at Ponticelli's procession, ensuring his final act was one of shared remembrance.

FAQs about Lazare Ponticelli

Who was Lazare Ponticelli?

Lazare Ponticelli was an extraordinary figure, born Lazzaro Ponticelli in Italy in 1897, who became France's last officially recognized veteran of the First World War and the final poilu of its trenches to die. He was a Knight of Vittorio Veneto, an entrepreneur, and a member of the French Resistance.

When and where was he born?

He was born Lazzaro Ponticelli on December 24, 1897, in Italy.

What was his early life like?

He traveled to France alone at the age of eight. At 16, he lied about his age to join the French Army in 1914, before being transferred to the Italian Army the following year.

What does poilu mean?

Poilu is an informal, affectionate term for a French infantryman in World War I, literally meaning "hairy one," often symbolizing their toughness and resilience in the trenches.

What was Ponticelli Frères?

Ponticelli Frères (Ponticelli Brothers) was a successful piping and metal work company founded by Lazare and his brothers after WWI. It produced supplies for the Second World War effort and was still in business as of 2021, representing a significant family legacy.

What was his role in World War II?

Beyond his company's contribution to the war effort, Lazare Ponticelli actively worked with the French Resistance against the Nazi occupation.

What were his views on war?

In his later years, he became a vocal critic of war, famously storing his WWI awards in a shoe box and feeling unworthy of a state funeral, though he eventually accepted it with the request that it honor common soldiers.

When did he pass away?

Lazare Ponticelli passed away on March 12, 2008, at the age of 110, as the oldest living man of Italian birth and the oldest man living in France.

How was he honored after his death?

He was given a state funeral by the French government, during which French President Nicolas Sarkozy honored his wish to emphasize the common soldiers who died on the battlefield by dedicating a plaque to them.