Carl Berner (supercentenarian)

Carl Berner (January 27, 1902 – January 7, 2013 ) was a German-born American supercentenarian, civic activist, and former toymaker. He was the second-oldest living verified American man behind James McCoubrey. He had also been the oldest living man in New York City for at least the last two years of his life. At the time of his death he was the second-oldest verified German-born man ever, behind Hermann Dörnemann, who lived for 111 years and 279 days.

Early life and career
Carl 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 enjoyed his job despite the amount of work that was involved in it. 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 (February 22, 1915-June 1987), a woman of Scandinavian descent, in 1936, and had a daughter named Emily (born September 23, 1943), who lived with her father. In 1938, Berner and Margaret moved to Middle Village, where he lived when he died. Berner has been 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.

Death
Berner died in New York City on January 7, 2013, a few weeks before his 111th birthday.