Sebastian Ronald Borrello passed away at the age of 90 on January 24, 2026 in Allen, Texas.
He was born on September 9, 1935, to Samuel and Shirley Rothberg Borrello in Syracuse, New York. During his high school years Seb worked with his dad at his auto garage, learning how to fix cars. He also assisted his father in making telescope mirrors and telescopes. From that experience, he developed a life-long interest in Astronomy. Seb studied physics at Syracuse University, and upon graduating he was selected to participate in the 1958 International Geophysical Year. He served one year at Wilkes Base in Antarctica managing an observatory to study the earth’s magnetic field.
Seb and Bonnie Turgeon were married in 1960 in Syracuse, New York and enjoyed sharing 65 wonderful years together.
Earning a Master’s Degree in Physics in 1962, Seb developed a process to prepare mercury doped germanium, which was subsequently used as an infrared detector for night vision by the Department of Defense. He worked in the Central Research Division of Texas Instruments in Dallas, Texas from 1962 to 1994, developing infrared and other sensors for defense and various commercial applications, such as early detection of breast cancer. He was promoted to TI Fellow in 1987 and managed a team for developing infrared sensitive charge couple devices and microbolometers. Seb co-authored more than 30 scientific papers and was awarded 12 patents during his career. After retiring, he combined his love of Astronomy and Physics to author Gravity Decoded. This book, which was published in 2002, explains his theory of gravity based on hidden space energy.
He enjoyed camping with his family, hiking, backpacking, especially in Big Bend National Park, and cross-country skiing with Bonnie. Seb loved classical music and old wooden boats. He volunteered many summers at the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton, New York, working with a crew of men that loved restoring antique wooden boats. Approximately 25 of their refurbished boats are on display at the museum and other venues.
Seb is survived by his wife Bonnie, daughter Laura, son Charles, and his sister Diane Rosenthal.
The family is especially grateful for the caring service provided by Visiting Nurse Association Hospice and Touching Hearts at home.
There will be a private family service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Antique Boat Museum in Clayton, New York or the Methodist Children's Home in Waco, Texas.