Caz Strzlaka was pulled from the residence on the 3200 block of Almond Street after flames broke out shortly before 6:30 p.m. Neighbors said Strzlaka had lived in the home for decades.
"They called the fire department. They didn't get him out quick enough," said Margaret Murat, a Port Richmond resident, referring to Strzlaka's nephews, who returned to the home to search for their cats and salvage belongings.
Sonny Buhalo, another neighbor, described the scene as chaotic.
"Smoke was all over the place, firemen were running up and down the street," he said.
Fire officials said the fire originated from a dryer on the first floor, and smoke seeped throughout the home. Despite piles of belongings inside, firefighters were able to rescue Strzlaka and one other person.
"We asked one of the firemen what happened. He said it was a dryer that caught on fire," Buhalo said.
Emergency medical services treated both individuals at the scene and transported them to the hospital. Strzlaka later died of natural causes, not as a direct result of the fire, according to officials.
"It's horrifying. It's the worst thing that can happen," Buhalo said.
As the family mourns, there was a moment of relief when one nephew found his cat, Buddy, alive inside the home.
"Yes, this is Buddy. I was told Sassy is out here roaming around under the cars," the nephew said.
The family believes Sassy, another cat, escaped the fire and is still searching for her.