PAFA to Host Public Memorial for Al Gury
The Philadelphia art community will gather on October 23 to honor the late artist and dedicated local cat rescuer.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Cats
The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts will host a public memorial on October 23, 2026, to honor the late Al Gury. A longtime chair of the school's painting department, Gury was also a dedicated Philadelphia advocate who fostered approximately 800 rescue cats over two decades.
Why it matters
Gury became a prominent figure in the local animal welfare community by providing a home for hundreds of medically compromised and difficult-to-place rescue cats. His commitment to these animals remains a notable example of the long-term impact individual foster efforts have on local rescue capacity.
Gury fostered an estimated 800 cats during his 20 years of volunteer work, a legacy commemorated by a maternity room named for him at the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society facility in Gray's Ferry. In 2016, his dedication included funding a $3,000 surgical procedure to graft eyelids for a cat in need.
The players
Al Gury
A long-time chair of the painting department at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts who was a dedicated volunteer for Philadelphia animal rescues.
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
A Philadelphia art institution that hosts the memorial for Gury.
Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society
A local organization that manages animal rescue and shelters, including a facility in Gray's Ferry with a room named for Gury.
The details
Gury served as a volunteer for the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society, specifically focusing on cats that were medically compromised or challenging to place. His home often served as a sanctuary for these vulnerable animals until they could be rehabilitated or adopted. This hands-on approach to animal welfare is honored through a dedicated space at the local shelter, recognizing his efforts to provide care for hundreds of cats over his lifetime.
Timeline
1976: Gury earned a painting certificate from the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.
2000-2022: Gury served as chair of the painting department at the academy.
2005: Gury began volunteering for animal rescue efforts in Philadelphia.
June 25, 2026: Al Gury died at age 74.
October 23, 2026: Public memorial to be held at the academy.
The Home Front
Gury's work highlights the essential role that private foster homes play in supporting the capacity of local animal shelters. This model is a critical component of municipal rescue networks that manage the daily logistics of placing high-needs animals.
Those interested in supporting local rescues can look into the volunteer and fostering programs currently offered by the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society. Consider visiting the organization's website to see how your own household can provide temporary support for animals that require medical attention.
The takeaway
Gury's life demonstrates how individual residents can significantly impact the success of local animal rescue programs through long-term fostering. To support similar efforts, contact the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society to learn about becoming a foster home for animals in need.
Further reading
Learn more about local pet advocacy and rescue efforts in our guide to Philadelphia Cats.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WHYY.
