At 97 years old, Harry Pure is a remarkable example of perseverance and creativity.
Retiring from his long-standing position as athletic director at the Philadelphia College of Textiles and Sciences, now known as Thomas Jefferson University, Pure discovered painting as a means to channel his energy after an injury curtailed his athletic pursuits.
“We’d moved to Florida, where I became an avid tennis player,” he explains while reminiscing about his artistic journey.
His newfound hobby quickly became a passion, as Pure dedicated four hours each day to his artwork.
Born and raised in South Philadelphia, the young Harry was more focused on sports than any artistic endeavors.
“The whole area had to be 99% Jewish,” Pure reflects on his childhood, recalling his father’s clothing store and the basketball games played at Starr Garden Playground.
Pure’s early accolades included being recognized as the high scorer in the local Jewish basketball league, an achievement that earned him the Eddie Gottlieb award for most likely to succeed—a title that would steer him towards Gettysburg College.
However, transitioning to Gettysburg offered its challenges.
“I suddenly went from an all-Jewish environment to a totally gentile environment with only three Jews in the whole school,” he recalls.
Despite the cultural adjustments, Pure managed to thrive, graduating in 1950 with degrees in physical education and history.
His journey took a new direction when he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard during the Korean War.
While stationed at Camp Council in Phoenixville, he met Harriet, whom he would marry in 1952.
Settling in Waynesboro after his service, Pure took on coaching and teaching basketball at Waynesboro High School.
It was here that he co-founded Camp Comet with Morgan Levy, a groundbreaking camp known for its innovation, offering a focus on science and sports.
All cabins at Camp Comet were designed in geodesic domes, highlighting the camp’s unique approach.
“Invariably, when I ask campers what they liked most about camp, they say ‘services,’” Pure remarks, noting the camp’s lasting impact.
Three years into their time in Waynesboro, the Pure family moved back closer to Philadelphia, settling in Plymouth Meeting.
Harry continued his career by teaching history at Upper Merion Area High School, where he and Harriet raised their three children: Jamie, David, and Shara.
The ambition to take on new challenges led Pure to the College of Textiles and Sciences in 1960, where he became athletic director.
“This was a big move to me,” he explains, noting the responsibility that came with building a new physical education department from scratch.
A decade later, the college’s basketball team, coached by Herb Magee, celebrated a championship victory, acknowledging the vital role Pure played in creating a supportive environment for athletes.
“Harry always had your back,” Magee said, who spent 55 years coaching at the college.
“He was always there to help, combining the demands of basketball and the physical education program.”
Apart from his professional commitments, Pure remained dedicated to his community involvement.
He joined the Norristown Jewish Community Center, eventually serving as board member and president.
This congregation later merged with Congregation Beth Israel in Lansdale to form Tiferet Bet Israel (TBI) in 1989.
Pure was honored with a special recognition during the High Holidays, speaking on behalf of the past presidents, humorously acknowledging his age by stating, “You’re all so very young.”
Despite the challenges that come with aging, Pure remains an active participant in various activities within his community.
In addition to painting, he contributes to his building’s magazine, engages with the nature club, and studies current events.
“He really is an icon for so many people,” says his son David, who travels from Boulder, Colorado to visit his father approximately every six weeks.
“Whether at Philadelphia Textile or the camp, his influence has significantly impacted many lives.”
On August 15, the entire Pure family, inclusive of eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, were set to gather in celebration of their patriarch.
“I appreciate the simple things more than ever before,” Pure says, reflecting on his life’s numerous experiences.
His commitment to staying active continues to inspire those around him, from family to friends and former colleagues, firmly establishing Harry Pure as a remarkable presence in both his personal and public life.
image source from：jewishexponent
