Thomas E. Ellard

Thomas Edward Ellard, 73, of Walpole, MA, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2025. He leaves behind his devoted wife of 47 years, Kathleen, his daughter Courtney Wason and her husband Shaun of Canton, his son Thomas Ellard and his wife Lorraine of Norwood, and his son Nicholas Ellard and his fiance Claire McElaney of Norwood. His grandchildren, Leo, Leenah, TJ, Makaio, Chloe, and Caleb, were the light of his life and will miss their Papa greatly. Family brought him so much joy and he was surrounded by it all his life. His late parents Francis and Grace (Ferrera) Ellard gave him five sisters whom he loved dearly: Mary, Ronny, Laurie, Jean and Joyce. He adored his many roles as husband, dad, papa, brother, uncle, and friend, to too many to name.

Tom, Tommy, Lefty, Big T, the bald eagle, depending on when and how you knew him, was born and raised in Mattapan, MA. He joined the US Air Force in 1969 and proudly served for 4 years. Shortly after returning, a young (and bold) Kathy Crowley asked him to escort her to her nursing school graduation. He happily accepted, and as they say, the rest is history. Together they raised three children in Norwood and made their house a happy home. Through the years he worked multiple occupations, from rehabilitating buildings for the city of Boston to walking around Walpole Center as a letter carrier for many years. He spent his free time with family, lifelong friends, on the golf course, coaching or cheering on his kids and grand kids, collecting coins and telling his stories to anyone willing to listen.

Visiting Hours will be held Monday September 8, from 4-7 PM, at the Alexander F. Thomas and Sons Funeral Home, 45 Common Street, Walpole. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:30AM Tuesday September 9, at Saint Mary Church, 176 Washington St., East Walpole, MA.  Relatives and friends invited.  In lieu of flowers, you might consider a donation to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation in his name.

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