Obituary of Anthony Alonso

Anthony M. Alonso, 81, of Stuart, Florida, died March 15, 2013 after a long battle with cancer.

Born in New York City, he had been a resident of Stuart for 19 years. He previously lived in Floral Park, New York.

He was a world renowned thoroughbred equine portrait artist, also known for his racing scenes and portraits of racing personalities. He studied art at the High School of Music and Art in New York and Pratt Institute in Brooklyn.

He also served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War from 1951-1955.

While pursuing a successful career as a commercial artist on Madison Avenue, he always 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 painted numerous champions, as well as everyday scenes and personalities of the sport of kings that was his hallmark. For over 30 years he showcased his work at a one man show during the summer meet at Saratoga Springs, New York.

His work is in the permanent collections at The National Museum of Racing in Saratoga Springs, The Jockey Club, (NYC), Santa Anita Race Track, Churchill Downs Race Track, Woodbine Race Track, Arlington Race Track, Belmont Race Track, Fasig-Tipton Co., and Laurel Race Track as well as 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.

He was a member of St. Andrew Catholic Church, Stuart,

He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Mary Alonso of Stuart; a daughter, Karen Alonso Hurley of Barrington, Rhode Island; sons Anthony E. Alonso of Sedona, Arizona and James M. Alonso of Wilton, Connecticut; a brother, Richard J. Alonso of Livingston, New Jersey; eight grandchildren and one great granddaughter.

SERVICES: Visitation will be from 5:00 to 9:00 PM on March 19, 2013 at the Forest Hills Funeral Homes Palm City Chapel with a prayer service at 6:30 PM. There will be a cryptside service Forest Hills Memorial Park in Palm City, at 10:00 AM on March 20, 2013 with military honors provided by the U.S. Air Force.

For those who wish, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 39105, 800/822-6344 or on line at www.stjude.org

An online registry is available at www.foresthillsfunerals.com .