Almost 75 years ago, Ross Palermo (USA) began his plumbing career. During his seven decades of service, he’s completed tasks from installing water heaters and maintenance to setting up new restaurants and family homes with the can-do attitude of a life-long tradesman.
All images supplied by Guiness World Records
Described by his friends and clients as “vigorous”, “passionate”, and “high integrity”, the great-grandfather has dedicated his professional life to plumbing and has become a respected member of his community due to his integrity and perseverance.
In 2025, his son Vince Palermo submitted an application on behalf of Ross’s incredible career, which was validated with a Guinness World Records title for the Oldest Plumber in the World for his active work at the remarkable age of 92.
“My father’s journey as a plumber has been one of persistence and passion,” said Vince to Guinness World Records.
“We believe that this attempt will not only set a new world record, but also highlight the vitality, determination, and dedication of older professionals in their respective trades.”
Ross was born on 1 March 1933 to Italian immigrant parents Gennaro and Christina Palermo, and was one of six siblings that grew up in the state of Pennsylvania.
He began his career in plumbing in 1951 after graduating from high school, working for Gray & Duquette before he was drafted into the US Army in 1953 during the Korean War.
After serving his country, he worked at Arco Plumbing until 1965 when he started his own plumbing company called R&G Plumbing, Inc., which he operated with his coworker Glenn Bennett until the 1990s before venturing off on his own.
“My knees are getting bad. I was told 15 years ago I had bone on bone. It didn’t bother me. I just kept working,” he said to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “I enjoy plumbing. I really do. And these [current jobs] are for old customers.”
Now, he typically works for clients that he has a history with, usually doing new work or routine maintenance.
His friend Marty Marra, president of MM Construction, Inc., has used Ross almost exclusively for the last 20 years, including when Ross installed a new water heater in his home just a week before he made his Guinness World Records application at the age of 92.
“I started using Ross Palermo on a condominium project in 2004,” Marty told GWR. “I had my doubts initially because he was 71 years old at the time, but he quickly put my doubts to rest as I saw the vigour and enthusiasm he has for his work.”
Source: Guiness World Records (92-year-old Pennsylvania man becomes oldest plumber in the world with 74-year career | Guinness World Records)
