Rita Alonzo

Rita D. Alonzo SARATOGA SPRINGS - Rita D. Alonzo passed away Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at Mary’s Haven. She was 82. Born on Dec. 15, 1934 in Saratoga Springs, she was a daughter of the late Louis J. and Miriam R. (Duffy) Alonzo, Sr., and was a graduate of Saratoga Springs High School. Rita was proud to have worked as a school bus driver for over 36 years in three different states, New York, Georgia and Arizona, prior to her retirement. She also was employed for many years as a security peace officer for NYRA at the Saratoga Race Course. An avid traveler, she enjoyed trips throughout the United States and was a member of All Saints Episcopal Church in Round Lake and served on the church Vestry. The Saratoga Springs Rotary Club named her their 2014 Senior Citizen of the Years, citing her contributions to numerous local organizations. These included volunteering daily at the Adult and Senior Center, running the OsteoBusters exercise classes for the Saratoga County Office for the Aging, being a tour guide for the NY Statewide Senior Action Council conference. She also served as a member of the Mayor’s Senior Advisory Committee, teaching for AARP defensive driving courses, and volunteering at the Raymond Watkin housing. While residing in AZ, she was a group home volunteer with Alternatives In Mankind (AIM). Survivors include two sons, Stephen McCarthy, Jr. and Richard McCarthy, both of Saratoga Springs; her daughter Karen (Jeff) Stangler of Rockhill, SC; two granddaughters, Gina McCarthy and Tara Stangler; and three brothers, Louis (Connie) Alonzo of Clifton Park, Michael (Nicole) Alonzo of Wilton and James (Sharon) Alonzo of Malta. Graveside services will be conducted at 1pm Tuesday (Oct. 31, 2017) at the family plot in Greenridge Cem., Lincoln Ave. There will be no calling hours. Memorials may be made in her name to the Saratoga Senior Center, 5 Williams St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518-584-5373). Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.