Anthony M. Alonso, who painted racing scenes and portraits of Thoroughbreds and racing personalities, died March 15 after a lengthy battle with cancer. A resident of Stuart, Fla., he was 81.
Born in New York City, Alonso had resided in Stuart for 19 years. He previously lived in Floral Park, N.Y.
While pursuing a successful career as a commercial artist on Madison Avenue, Alonso found time to pursue his true love of the fine arts. A chance meeting with Hall of Fame trainer Allen Jerkens at a local art show thrust him into the world of Thoroughbred racing. Over the next 35 years he specialized in painting numerous champions as well as everyday scenes and personalities. For more than 30 years he showcased his work at a one-man show during the Saratoga meet.
Alonso's work is in permanent collections at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., The Jockey Club, Santa Anita Park, Churchill Downs, Woodbine, Arlington Park, Belmont Park, Fasig-Tipton, and Laurel Park, as well as in private collections around the world. He was a member of The American Artist Professional League, the Salmagundi Club, the Society of American Artists, and the American Academy of Equine Artists.
Alonso, who served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary; a daughter, Karen; and sons Anthony and James.
Visitation will be from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 19, at the Forest Hills Funeral Homes Palm City Chapel near Palm City, Fla., with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. There will be a crypt side service at Forest Hills Memorial Park in Palm City at 10:00 a.m. March 20, with military honors provided by the U.S. Air Force.
Contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn.