PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A block in the Gayborhood section of Center City Philadelphia has been renamed in honor of the late Jeff Guaracino, a well-known advocate for the city and LGBTQ community.
His family, friends, and community want people to remember his passion for the “City of Brotherly Love.”
Signs for Jeff Guaracino Way will mark the stretch of 13th Street between Locust and Spruce streets.
He died of cancer in December at 48 years old, with an impressive career.
"He would love it. People will ask the question, ‘Who is Jeff Guaracino?’ if they don't know him. And then we get to continue to tell the story over and over again,” said City Representative Sheila Hess at the renaming ceremony Tuesday afternoon. She says he was a friend and a mentor to her.
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His brother, Jerry Guaracino, said he was touched by the city's decision to rename the block.
"Actually speechless. I'm so proud of him. But I miss him every day, and I'm sure the city does as well,” he said.
"What a visionary leader he was. He had such a passion for the city of Philadelphia, for equality, gay rights, everything."
The party honoring Guaracino was done in style. It featured performers, music, and plenty of color.
Guaracino was the CEO of Visit Philadelphia, and a dynamic and lifelong advocate for his beloved city. He first worked with Visit Philadelphia from 2001-12 before taking a similar role in Atlantic City.
He returned to Philadelphia in 2016, as Mayor Jim Kenney brought him back to work on Welcome America and the city’s Fourth of July celebrations, then took over leadership of Visit Philadelphia in 2018. He also wrote two books on LGBTQ tourism.
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