A local hero who served as a mentor to many, George Milton “Tony” Allerton IV died on Sept. 1, just weeks before his 97th birthday, according to his obituary.
Through his work with the recovery nonprofit Crossroads Club in Delray Beach, he was an example of how to live a life in recovery—with no need for fanfare or accolades.
“There’s no title on my door, there’s no parking space, and that’s just the way I like it,” he told Delray magazine in 2018.
Allerton was born in Connecticut in 1928 and attended Georgetown University, where he played hockey, tennis and golf. He joined the Navy in 1950 and served in the Korean War aboard the U.S.S. Mullany. He remembered visiting Delray Beach in 1938 with his parents, telling Delray magazine, “I went back and told my mother that ‘when I get to be a big boy, I’m going to live in Delray Beach.’” He first moved to the city in 1958 with his family, where he was the manager of a clothing store, then a stock broker. The family moved to New Jersey, and he returned to Palm Beach County in 1973.
In 1982, he took the helm of the Crossroads Club after attending its first meeting, serving as executive director and property manager. Both his parents were alcoholics and he gave up drinking at the age of 54; his own personal experience with addiction helped in his outreach to those wanting to make a change in their lives. He was instrumental in the formation of the club’s annual Taste of Recovery; this year’s event is Nov. 8 at the American German Club in Lake Worth Beach.
“Tony was so much more than the founder of Crossroads; he was the heart and soul of this organization,” says Dylan Morgan, executive director of the Crossroads Club. “He was a mentor to me and countless others, a guiding light who dedicated his life to helping people find a path to recovery. His passion was infectious, his compassion boundless, and his belief in the human spirit unwavering. Tony created a safe haven for people to heal, a community built on love, respect, and mutual support.”
Allerton was also involved in other community efforts, including the Mayflower Society, Delray Beach Rotary Club, Delray Beach Playhouse, Lake Ida Property Owners Association, Wayside House, Delray Beach Drug Task Force and the Drug Abuse Foundation.
According to his obituary, “His trademarks included a superb memory for details, a quick wit with a mischievous streak, and a contagious laugh; but those who knew him best say that his most important trait was a well-honed skill of being able to make everyone around him feel special.”
Morgan adds, “Every person who walks through our doors, every life that is transformed, is a testament to his vision and relentless dedication. We are committed to carrying on his work, honoring his memory by continuing to serve our community with the same passion and integrity he exemplified.”
Allerton is survived by his daughters Tracy Allerton and Mitchell “Mimi” Allerton; his son George Colby Allerton and daughter-in-law Nina Tourigny Allerton; and two grandchildren, Zachary and June. He is also survived by two of his four wives, Lisa Kressman Allerton and Shirley Unwin.
Mass was celebrated at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church and a celebration of life will also be planned for later in the year.
In Allerton’s memory, donations can be made to the Crossroads Club.
