The oldest Maltese man, Jack Serra, died aged 104 on Saturday, an example of healthy living and dedication to family, business and religion.

Mr Serra, who had seven children, had lost one of his daughters, who passed away when she was 56, and his wife of 97, six years ago.

He helped bring up six children, after one of his daughters died at the tender age of nine months.

“He was a very sweet, calm and kind father, providing us with the best schooling. We could not wish for more, as he gave us all he could even during the war,” his daughter Lilian Musillami said.

Ms Musillami, 71, said Mr Serra was a hard worker, retiring at 97, after working for 75 years in the import business. He was loved and highly respected because he was an honest man, she added.

Mr Serra, who liked listening to classical music, was well-travelled and spoke fluent French, Italian, English and Maltese.

Baptised in Sliema and brought up in Ħamrun, he moved to Fleur de Lys when he married.

He was always on the go, Ms Musillami said.

He had practised boxing professionally when he was young and led a healthy lifestyle. Although he indulged in his favourite food on Sundays, he got back on track on Mondays and followed a strict diet regime.

He kept physically active till his late nineties, by doing yoga and going for daily walks.

His grandson Massimo, 41, said Mr Serra was “one of the most elegant men in Malta.”

Mr Serra was also very religious, and as a devotee of Our Lady attended Mass every Wednesday, after committing himself when he had a close encounter with death as a young man.