Mr. Alonso was born in Matanzas City, Cuba on March 4, 1922. He fled Fidel Castro’s dictatorship in 1962 with his family so that his 2 daughters would not have to grow up under a Communist tyranny.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Herminia (Minin) Nodarse Alonso and by his two daughters, Carmen Alonso of Tottenville (Staten Island) and Isabel Alonso and her husband Joseph Cermola of Connecticut.
He is survived by four grandchildren: Jacqueline Baranov (nee Kesicki) and her husband Ivan, Robert Kesicki and his fiancé Feona Bryant, Matthew Cermola and his wife Jillian, and Joseph Cermola and his wife Diana. He is also the great-grandfather of Jackson Cermola and Oliver Baranov.
Mr. Alonso studied engineering at the University of Havana. He was the Chief of Civil Design at Chemtex Fibers Inc., in Manhattan. He travelled extensively for his work, supervising the construction of many textile plants throughout the world, including China, the Soviet Union, Turkey, India, Yugoslavia and South Korea.
Aviation was always Mr. Alonso’s passion. He was an expert on the early history of aviation, especially WWI and WWII aircraft. He realized a life-long dream when he received an FAA glider pilot’s license in 1982. For many years he was a member of Aero Club Albatross in Blairstown, New Jersey, where he spent many enjoyable Sundays piloting a glider over the local countryside.
In his 90’s, at his daughters’ urging, Mr. Alonso took the time to write his memoirs so that his family would always have a record of his long and adventurous life.
Viewing and funeral services will be held from 11am to 1pm on Thursday October 7 at Casey Funeral Home, 350 SlossonAvenue, Staten Island, followed by burial at Resurrection Cemetery, 361 Sharrott Avenue, Staten Island.
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