from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — Aron M. Rosenthal, 90, died Dec. 24, 2010, at his home in Monticello, N.Y.

Mr. Rosenthal was born in Monticello on March 27, 1920, the youngest son of Samuel and Anna (nee Chane Alpert) Rosenthal. He was raised in Monticello and graduated from Monticello High School, class of 1937. He then went to Hartwick College in Oneonta, N.Y. and Middlesex College in Waltham, Mass. for a veterinary medicine program.

World War II intervened, and he went to the Philippines, serving as a 1st Sergeant with company B, 124th infantry division. He earned a Bronze Star, a good conduct medal and three Purple Hearts among other decorations. He was honorably discharged in 1946.

Returning home to find Middlesex College changed over to Brandeis University (with no veterinary program), he turned his attention to his hometown sweetheart. He and Jacqueline Herzog were married in 1947. Mr. Rosenthal worked at various ventures over the next ten years, including ownerships of a bar/restaurant and a bakery.

At that time, he decided to combine his life-long love of animals with a new opportunity. The Rosenthal pets were all members of the family, and with the proposed opening of Monticello Raceway, Mr. Rosenthal decided to have animals in his professional life as well. Having worked at the Riding Academy in his youth, he apprenticed as a farrier, and was the third person on the grounds when the racetrack opened in 1958. Mr. Rosenthal was a journeyman horseshoer who maintained a shop at the track for the rest of his life.

He belonged to the Monticello Elks Lodge #1544 (charter/lifetime member, past E.R.) and Rotary International.

Complications from Alzheimer’s forced his retirement in 2008, but the business was passed to his son, Richard, who could keep him working through their business discussions at home.

He is survived by his daughter, Andrea R. Gallory; son, Richard; and brothers-in-law, Lefty (Ida) Herzog and William (Jeanne) Herzog. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jackie; his parents; brothers, Hymie, Mike and Phil; sisters, Sue and Edna; and nephews, Martin and Little Bill.

A memorial service will be celebrated on January 6, 2011 at 11 a.m. at the Joseph N. Garlick Funeral Home, 388 Broadway, Monticello. Rabbi Medwin will officiate.

Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association Mid-Hudson Chapter, 2 Jefferson Plaza, Suite 103, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601-4060 or to your local animal shelter.