Thomas Trifoso

Age 55 passed away peacefully on October 26, 2015 in Laguna Nigel, California after a long battle with cancer with his sister, Lesley and her family by his side. Tom was the son of Bernard and Patricia Whitlock A. Trifoso. In addition to his parents, Tom is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Stephen and Samantha Trifoso of Middletown, DE, with son, Lincoln; sisters and brothers-in-law, Michele and Dale Jeffries of Fredericksburg, VA, with daughter, Daniele Yancey with children, Harrison and Dysie; Lesley and Joseph Russell of Laguna Niguel, CA, with children, Jaclyn, Carlianne, Angeline and Joey Russell and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Tom graduated from The Elmira Free Academy and Elmira Business Institute. He was enthusiastic about life. Very friendly and gregarious, he made friends very easily with his great personality. Tom was very proud of his sales career. His last job was with Ashley Furniture in Horseheads. Tom was very successful and was one of their best salesmen. He had a great knowledge of furniture and prided himself on putting the customer first. Tom enjoyed his involvement in the local Mountain Bike Scene, helping young people get free bikes. His real love was music. He had an enormous collection of music and memorabilia including records, cd's and tapes. He was proud of his collection of guitar amps and special effects pedals. His love of guitars started around the age of 13 and started playing in bands by the time he was 15. He started his band "Vaudeville" consisting of Richard Deek Eisenhart, Andy Hilfiger, Ronnie Mengel and Alvan Hill. They rocked the local scene with flash and wild stage antics. He also enjoyed playing at reunions for "Vaudville" for many years afterwards. Tom will be missed by all of the musicians that had the pleasure of knowing, especially his good friend Matt Nagel whom he grew up with and shared his love of music whether in bands or playing in Tom's living room. Tom was an accomplished musician and will be missed by his family and friends. A special thank you to his friend, Kelly Gephart who helped with Tom's care in his final stages of his fight against cancer. Family and Friends are invited to Tom's Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Elmira on November 21, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. Interment, with committal prayers, will follow at St. Peter & Paul's Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Tom's name may be directed to, UC Irvine Health Advancement, c/o Trifoso Gifts, 333 City Blvd., West, #605, Orange, CA 92868. Or visit ua-web.uadv.uci.edu/Behnaz Fund.