Arthur Browne
Dear Loved Ones of Alonzo Michael Gentry,
More than six decades after Lonny and I shared a coming-of-age friendship, news that he had died brought back memories of his unique, lively spirit. We met as five-year-olds on the first day of first grade in a grammar school playground crowded with strange faces. Somehow we knew we could be friends, and we stayed close until life took us in different directions in high school. When we occasionally met or spoke through the years, we warmly recalled adventures and misadventures that had bonded us. Lonny was always remarkable Lonny - charming, fun, funny, supremely likable, and a bit of a rascal. I have no doubt that his inventiveness and imagination carried through as well.
Reminiscing about growing up in Freeport, circa 1950 - 1968, has always brought Lonny quickly to my mind and to the minds of many others. He seemed to live vibrantly among us like an impish, if not devilish, Peter Pan.
Simply put, everyone loved Lonny.
Please accept my condolences and best wishes,
Arthur Browne