Thomas Andrew Ellis was just 43 when he passed away unexpectedly on July 1, 2024, from a brain aneurysm. Though his time with us was far too short, his impact was immeasurable. For 19 incredible years, I had the honor of calling him my husband. Together, we raised three beautiful daughters—Angelina, Mia, and Lily—who were the light of his life and the center of his world.
Tom was more than a devoted husband and father. He was a son, a brother, an uncle, a nephew, and a mentor to countless young athletes across Delaware County. His coaching journey began with youth football, and over the years, he poured his heart into middle school football, baseball, softball, soccer, and eventually wrestling. When asked to coach baseball one season, his team went undefeated—a testament to his leadership and passion.
Tom lived to serve others, and even in death, he gave the ultimate gift—life.
He didn’t just coach; he built communities. Tom revived the local youth wrestling program, transforming it from a forgotten initiative into a thriving organization. As head wrestling coach at the high school, he grew the team from just six wrestlers to forty, breaking school records and helping to establish girls wrestling at the school. In December 2020, he co-founded a year-round wrestling club, giving kids a place to grow, compete, and belong.
Tom was unapologetically himself—loyal, passionate, and full of heart. He spoke his truth, gave generously, and created spaces where people felt safe, loved, and seen. He was known to give the shirt off his back and the shoes off his feet. One of his wrestlers came to live with us during his junior year, and today, I’m proud to call him our son.
His Catholic faith was a quiet but steady compass in his life. Tom was devoted, and his belief in service, compassion, and grace showed in everything he did. He lived his faith—not just in church, but in locker rooms, on sidelines, and around dinner tables.
He also had a rock-and-roll soul. Tom loved 80s and 90s rock music was always playing in our home or car—his soundtrack to life. One of his favorite books and movies was The Outsiders, and the phrase “Stay Gold” became a kind of mantra for him. It’s how he lived: staying true, staying kind, staying golden.
His decision to be an organ donor was no surprise. Tom lived to serve others, and even in death, he gave the ultimate gift—life. His legacy lives on not only in the lives he saved, but in the hearts of all who knew him.
We miss him every day. But we carry his spirit forward—in our daughters’ laughter, in the wrestling mats he helped lay down, and in the lives he continues to touch. Stay Gold, Tom. You always did.
