Thomas James Borghi passed away February 22, 2005, after a valiant battle against lung cancer.  Tom was born in Fountain Hill, Pennsylvania, on September 27, 1951.  He moved to the Ventura area with his family in 1962.  He graduated from Ventura High School in 1969 and attended Ventura College.  He worked as an optician for Venopt Optical in Ventura.

Music was a vital element in Tom's life.  He played clarinet for the Ventura High School Band, switching to drums during the marching season.  He also played guitar for several local rock and blues bands.  He volunteered as a radio programmer and announcer for KCSB FM.  Using his radio name, Gene Poole, Tom played an eclectic mix of musical selections on his weekly program, Past Life Nightmares.

Tom was an active and eager participant of the VHS Class of 1969 Reunion Committee for the organizing of the October 2004 Reunion at Steckel Park in Santa Paula.

Tom was preceded in death by his father, Angelo Borghi, chief clarinetist in the U.S. Navy Band, retired.  Tom is survived by his mother, Grace, of Santa Paula; his brother, Michael, of Fountain, Colorado; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; and his cats, Mr. Bigglesworth, Tiny Alice, Snow Boy, Sweetie Pie and Alger Hiss.