Columbus, OH – Born Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, 1956, on Long Island, N.Y., Thomas James Peragine, known to friends and family as Tom or Tommy, passed away unexpectedly on Oct. 25, 2025, in Sacramento, Calif., at the age of 69.
Tom was born and raised on Long Island and graduated from JFK High School in 1974. Shortly afterward, his family moved to California, where he would spend many formative years.
He is survived by his beloved daughter, Kara, whom he cherished and moved back to Sacramento four years ago to be close to. Tom was also deeply loved by his close siblings, Pat, Bill, and Jon, nieces and nephews and brother-in-law and sisters-in-law and many close cousins. He was preceded in death by his youngest brother, Stephen, who very sadly passed away in January after a long illness, and his first-born daughter, Jenni Rose, who tragically died in 2006 at the age of 25 from a rare illness.
Tom maintained a close and cherished friendship with Michelle, his former wife, which brought great joy to his daughter, Kara.
Tom’s passion and talent for harness racing defined much of his life. His brother Bill, a harness racing driver, inspired Tom to enter the sport and he began his career with Joe O’Brien Stables in the mid-1970s. By 1978, he had launched his own stable and went on to enjoy a long and successful career across California’s racing circuit, competing at tracks in both northern and southern California.
He trained many winning horses, including Choo Choo Mama, Big Time, Multi Hanover, Breckinshire, and others and his favorite, Valdas Lad, which he co-owned with his family. Tom was especially known for his extraordinary way with older “warrior” horses, earning him the respect and admiration of colleagues and competitors alike.
Outside of racing, Tom had a deep love for nature and could identify nearly any bird by sight or song, delighting in bird watching wherever he went. He was also an avid amateur antique collector and had a lifelong passion for Christmas, a tradition he inherited from his mother. Each year, he would transform her home into a dazzling display, decorating inside and out until it resembled a Christmas store. Tom had a remarkable gift for giving, ensuring every family member received a thoughtful present, even during challenging times.
Tom will be remembered for his warmth, generosity, and passion for life – a devoted father, loving brother, family member and friend to many.
He will be cremated and interred with his family in Brooklyn, New York. His brother Bill will have a Mass said in his honor at a later date.