Carl Berner (supercentenarian)

Carl James Berner (January 27, 1902 - January 7, 2013) was a German-born American supercentenarian, civic activist, and former toymaker.
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.<ref name="junipercivic1"/> After his parents died from tuberculosis, his maternal grandmother moved him to France.<ref name"junipercivic1"/> In 1912, his paternal grandmother moved him back to Germany.<ref name"junipercivic1"/> In school, Carl studied mechanical manufacturing, among other things.<ref name"junipercivic1"/> In 1928, he left Germany and moved to the United States.<ref name"junipercivic1"/> His first job in the United States was as the Night Building Superintendent at the Chrysler Building.<ref name"junipercivic1"/> He was offered by the U.S. government to become a foreign agent in 1933, but he rejected their offer.<ref name"junipercivic1"/> During the Great Depression, Berner created a toy-making business which later became a large success.<ref name"junipercivic1"/> Businesses and younger workers sought advice from him in regards to toy-making throughout his career.<ref name"junipercivic1"/>
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.<ref name"junipercivic1"/><ref name"nytimes1"/> In 1938, Berner and Margaret moved to Middle Village, where he lived when he died.<ref name"nytimes1"/> Berner was an active participant in the Juniper Park Civic Association for over 60 years.<ref name"junipercivic1"/> Berner walked two miles daily on average, which he said, along with his willingness to help others, was the secret to his longevity.<ref name="junipercivic1"/>
Berner died in New York City on January 7, 2013, a few weeks before his 111th birthday.

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