A celebration of the life of
Alfred Oscar Gary
will occur on
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
White Rock Baptist Church
5240 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19139
Viewing 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Service: 10:00 am
Internment: Rolling Green Memorial Park
Alfred Oscar Gary, 73, of Rose Valley, PA, was born on October 7, 1952, in Philadelphia, PA, to the late Alfred Gary and Gwendolyn L. Gary (Pilgrim). He grew up in West Philadelphia as a beloved son and brother, spending time at White Rock Baptist Church and building friendships in his neighborhood that would last a lifetime.
Alfred graduated from Overbrook High School in 1971 and continued his education at Drexel University. An active member of the student body, he participated in the Afro-American Society, WKDU radio, and served as the Student Vice President of Community Affairs. He also played football, rowed crew, and contributed photography to the yearbook and newspaper. He was most proud of becoming a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and joining the Delta Eta Chapter in 1972. Alfred earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Drexel in 1975.
While they both attended Drexel, Alfred met Hope Jones through their shared involvement in Black student life. They later wed on August 1, 1981, at White Rock Baptist Church. They shared 44 years of married love and raised two wonderful children: Alfred Henry Gary and Loretta Jamie Gary. Together, Hope and Alfred built a loving home and raised their children with an emphasis on hard work, gratitude, and education. The couple shared a dedication to supporting their kid’s interests and created cherished family memories through annual beach trips to Brigantine, NJ, cultural excursions, visits to relatives, and time at their Poconos home.
Colleagues and clients knew Alfred as a dedicated worker who always looked for ways to serve others. He began working as a teenager at the iconic Shirt Corner in Old City Philadelphia, and after graduating from college he worked in sales at IBM. He found his calling when he became a Licensed Insurance Agent at Allstate where he provided valuable advice and services to his customers for over twenty years. After leaving Allstate, he turned his leisure enjoyment of casino games and socializing into a second career as a Games Dealer at Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino and Racetrack.
Alfred also devoted himself to serving his community. As an active member of the Philadelphia Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc. he volunteered on various committees through the years and supported the fraternity’s Achievement Academy, a multi-faceted mentorship, training, and counseling program for young African American men. Alfred celebrated 50 years of Kappa Alpha Psi membership in 2022.
He nurtured a deep and long-lasting commitment to White Rock Baptist Church that began as a child. He grew up watching his father serve as an Usher, and his mother work with the children's program, teach church school and play piano. Following in his parents’ footsteps, Alfred trained and served as a Trustee since 2005. He also poured love into the church by serving as the Maintenance Supervisor. He often could be found around the grounds with his toolbox, fixing things himself or coordinating with others to preserve the building that was so important to him and his community.
The Lord called Alfred home on December 29, 2025, after complications from a recent stroke. He passed quietly with his wife by his side. In addition to his parents, Alfred was preceded in death by his younger brother, Aaron Patrick Gary, in 1967; aunts, Edwina Onyekere (Pilgrim) and Leotta Griffith (Pilgrim); uncles, George Pilgrim and Sylvester Griffith; cousin, Michael Griffith; and sister-in-law, Gay Anne Johnson (Jones).
He is lovingly remembered by his dedicated wife, Hope Jones-Gary; children, Alfred H. and Loretta J.; daughter-in-law, Gabrielle Gary (Pittman); grandchildren, Alfred Wyatt, Walter Orson, and Nicolette Laurel; aunt, Sylvia Pilgrim (King); sister-in-law, Lynda Williamson (Jones); brother-in-law, Herbert Jones; and cherished by cousins, nieces, nephews, fellow church members, fraternity brothers, and lifelong friends.
We will remember Alfred for many things, including his generosity, integrity, and willingness to help; his kindness, playfulness, and smile; his enjoyment of travel, learning, and cars; and above all else - his love of life, God, friends, and family. His life and legacy will continue to bless everyone who knew him.
Abbreviated Obituary for Dad
Alfred Oscar Gary, 73, of Rose Valley, PA, passed away on December 29, 2025. Born on October 7, 1952, to the late Alfred Gary and Gwendolyn L. Gary (Pilgrim), he grew up in West Philadelphia, where he built friendships that would last a lifetime.
Alfred graduated from Overbrook High School in 1971 and earned his B.S. in Business Administration from Drexel University in 1975. In college, he was an active participant in student life and a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Delta Eta Chapter.
He married Hope Jones on August 1, 1981, at White Rock Baptist Church. They shared 44 years of marriage and raised two children with an emphasis on hard work, gratitude, and education. Together, they supported their children's interests and created countless cherished memories through their annual beach trips, cultural excursions, and time spent with family and friends.
Alfred was a dedicated worker who always looked for ways to serve others. He worked in sales at IBM and spent over twenty years as a Licensed Insurance Agent at Allstate before becoming a Games Dealer at Harrah's Philadelphia. He was an active member of the Philadelphia Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi and supported their Achievement Academy mentorship program. Also a devoted member of White Rock Baptist Church since childhood, Alfred served as a Trustee and Maintenance Supervisor.
Alfred will be remembered for his generosity, integrity, smile, and above all - his love of life, God, friends, and family. He is survived by his wife, Hope Jones-Gary; children, Alfred H. Gary and Loretta J. Gary; daughter-in-law, Gabrielle (Pittman); grandchildren, Alfred Wyatt, Walter Orson, and Nicolette Laurel; and many loving family members and friends.
