Thomas "Tommy" Andrew Ellis

Stephanie Ellis 21w

Impact of Tommy Ellis

Hi Steph, My daughter told me she had a project for her writing class and the theme was volunteer hero and it was based off a fire fighter in the area that passed away a few years ago. I wanted to share with you her essay. She never wrestled but always at practice and meets and just hearing Ant and I talk over the years. She sent me this today and I was like I have to share this with you. Abby Barone Writing Class Mr. Revak May 27, 2026 Impact of Tommy Ellis Volunteer heroes are people who spend their time improving lives throughout the community. They dedicated their energy, and sometimes money, for the greater good of the township. One important volunteer hero in the community was Tommy Ellis. Tommy spent his time and money building up Aston AA Wrestling from the ground. For his wrestlers, he was like a second father who they could confide in. His devotion and loyalty to the town created a positive and safe area where people felt loved. Tommy Ellis provided a space where children could be pushed to be a better athlete, and become a better person. He motivated and demanded the best out of his athletes, and was always there for them when they needed him. He offered extra practice for his athletes through Aston AA and Blacksheep Wrestling. He used his coaching skills to connect with other students at Sun Valley, and he was able to show them who they could be. He constantly showed up for his athletes no matter what he was going through. That is why when I hear the term volunteer hero, I think of Tommy Ellis.         All in all, volunteer heroes like Tommy Ellis play significant roles in making people feel important and heard throughout the community. Being a coach involves more than just practicing sports. It consists of being there for your athletes, and being a role model who they can look up to for the rest of their lives, and Tommy Ellis fits this description perfectly. Tommy’s love and understanding for his athletes, shaped them into who they are today. He always helped them work through their problems physically and emotionally. Everything that Tommy has done for the community will never be forgotten, and he will always be known as a hero.

Stephanie Ellis 49w

Coaching for a reason

Tommy is the one of the reasons I am in coaching today . Tommy coached me when we moved to Aston in the early 2000s playing for the bandits . I took plenty of knowledge of instruction from him that help me be a better player / person . But his best coaching job and what made the most impact on me is when he took over as head wrestling coach at SV my junior year . The program was in shambles , I never wrestled , he asked me to come out for the team, I did, that year was rough , lol ass kicking after ass kicking , I wrestled as heavy weight my junior year . Going into my senior year as I was ready to throw in the tale , Tommy wouldn’t let me , made me come back and work harder . I went from Heavy weight , not winning a match my junior year , to my senior year making sections at 195lbs . No other coach could have gave me the confidence and work ethic to be able to make that happen . I model my coaching today after how Tommy coach me . Thank you, Ryan France

Stephanie Ellis 49w

"I had Tommy in the back of my mind"

I wanted to share something with you and possibly post to the foundations page, but I wanted to run it by you first. So I’m not sure if you have seen anything about it or not, but this past weekend I had competed in the biggest fight of my career thus far. I was struggling with pretty bad injuries for the entire training process, to the point where I was close to having to pull out of the fight. But as with most of the difficult times in my adult life, I had Tommy in the back of my mind. I never had a father in my life, and Tommy was the only man I ever had that I knew with 100% certainty believed in me and ingrained into my soul the belief that part of being a man is pushing myself beyond what I think I’m capable of and that no one is going to feel sorry for me if I fail or especially if I give up. Toms unwavering belief in me is what has got me where I am today, especially in my fighting journey. So I wanted to do something special to honor him and the foundation. With toms voice in my head, I was so confident that I was going to win that I brought a tribute poster with me to the fight and told my corner to give it to me when I won so I could share Toms memory with the world. And I did just that. Here are the results!

Stay Gold

There aren't enough words to describe Tommy. He was funny, kind, respected, and just a great person all around. Tommy was someone that you wanted to be around. You knew you would end up in an interesting conversation and would probably end up laughing so hard your stomach would hurt. I was in awe of his dedication to his family and wrestlers. He treated all of his wrestlers like they were his own. I still can't believe he is gone. It is so hard to comprehend. I will miss hearing "Big Ears Nate Brooks". I will miss that grin and laugh of his. He will always hold a special place in my heart. Love you Steph, Mia & Ang!

Stephanie Ellis 95w

A Wrestler, A Son - Alex Williams

Who was Tom to you: Tom to me was someone who I could go to about anything and everything, he was my anchor when I needed to be held down and talked to and he was my wings when I needed to be lifted up. Tom was what people call a father figure but in my eyes he was my father. My happiest moment with Tom was right after I wrestled my last high school match at regionals, after I collected myself he pulled me aside on the bleachers and told me “ I’m proud of you son” and hugged me along with his whole family and all I could do was cry knowing that someone who I wasn’t even blood related to could accept me into his family. At that moment I knew who Tom was to me, He was my father.

Stephanie Ellis 95w

Forever A Vanguard

It is with the deepest regret and heavy heart that we inform the sun valley school community of the passing of our beloved wrestling coach, Tommy Ellis. He has been an important fixture in our community and the wrestling world. We thank everyone who participated in his honor walk yesterday at Crozer Hospital (https://www.fox29.com/video/1478889). Please note counselors are available today for any students who need any type of assistance from this loss from 10am-2pm in the Sun Valley MIC. Tommy was a larger-than-life figure in the Aston, Brookhaven, and Parkside communities. A man who dedicated his life to the kids in the Penn-Delco School District. Tommy not only served as the Sun Valley Wrestling Coach, but also as the President of the Aston Athletic Association. In both of these roles and also in his role as the leader of the Black Sheep Wrestling Club, Tommy coached thousands of kids and was a positive influence to thousands more. From a wrestling perspective, Tommy took a small school in Delco and turned it into a well-respected regional powerhouse during his tenure as the Sun Valley Wrestling Coach. He led the team to 5-straight Ches-mont Championships, 4 District Duals berths, and countless tournament wins. He has guided a handful of athletes to 100 career wins, has coached District, Regional, and State Champions and has seen many of his wrestlers continue wrestling at the collegiate level. He was a wrestling advocate for our league, for Delco and all of District 1 and was honored as the AAA District 1 West Sectional Coach of the Year. Most importantly, Tommy was the loving husband to Steph and Dad/Super Hero to Angelina, Mia, and Lilly. Tommy was a loving son, brother, uncle, friend and mentor to so many. His athletes looked up to him, revered him and loved him. They knew how deeply he cared for them, not only as wrestlers, but as young men and women. They would do anything for Tommy, as they knew he would do anything for them. I'm not sure that the Penn-Delco community has ever had a man leave such a positive impact on so many lives. The Sun Valley and Penn Delco community extend their deepest condolences for the Ellis family, friends, and everyone whose life he was fortunate to play a role in. This loss will be felt deeply across our community and we stand strongly with those that need to be lifted up. Hold your loved ones tight. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Ellis family during this difficult time. Much love, Sun Valley Administration

Stephanie Ellis 95w

From the Eyes of a Friend

I never realized how much life could change so fast. I also never realized or saw how strong a family and community could be. The Ellis family, the strongest and most pure family I can think of. I will remember the days forever in elementary school I would have small conversations with Mia at recess because we were totally opposites and never really talked. Mia was quieter and more mature and I was loud and definitely had some maturing to do. From Aston Elementary book fair, to the class christmas parties, field days, and much more, Mia and I were together and spent some of our childhoods together. No, this didn’t mean we were always together and hung out but we still have known each other for years now. Whether we were close or not I still remember it. Fast forward to freshman year of high school. I went to Padua Academy in Wilmington while Mia stayed in the school district at Sun Valley High School. Briefly I remember seeing Mia at football games or other school events. One specific memory I have though was at the Winter Ball last school year. We started catching up and talking for a while and took a cute picture as well. I felt instantly happier after finally talking for a little bit after which felt like forever. I’d say from then on I always considered Mia a very close friend of mine. Even though we don’t see each other everyday or talk everyday, I will always cherish and keep our friendship close and dear to my heart. That just goes to show that some people can make such an impact on someone’s else’s life even when they may not even know it or it could even be obvious. I am so glad that the Ellis family has the support they need and deserve during any of these difficult times. This was such a huge shock to everyone all around when news came out about Tommy. I recognize all the things Tommy did for his own family but also the people that became family very quickly through wrestling, coaching, and more. I hear from others that not only did he coach wrestling but also “coached” how to be a better person. The growth and success that people have received and shown from knowing Tommy as a coach or a person is tremendous. You can tell he has touched so many peoples lives. Everyone that knows Tommy can say that he would be there for anyone at anytime when they needed something. This is just one of his many amazing qualities he has. Steph, Angelina, Mia, and Lily, and all other family have all shown so much strength during this whole time and will continue to show it. I have so much respect for their family and they will always have a special place in my heart. Not a day goes by where I don’t think about them. Not a night goes by where I don’t pray for them and their friends and anyone who was impacted or affected by this. Always will continue to be with me and Tommy is always with us and his legacy will live on. Stay Gold. Love, Reegan Joyce

Stephanie Ellis 95w

Lita Marcellus' Memory

I met Tommy wrestling with my 2 awesome sons, Daniel & Randy. Tommy was in between them at Sun Valley High School. Tommy was a nice, funny, and a very respectful young man to yours truly, Lita Marcellus. I always enjoyed talking to Tommy for a little during the matches. I attended all of the matches and events until my sons graduated from Sun Valley. I always acknowledged Tommy when I saw him 😀. Tommy & my sons wrestled & worked well together as a team. I was always proud of all of the Sun Valley Wrestlers 🤼!!!

Stephanie Ellis 95w

Tommy's Story

I remember Tommy from high school, I was a few years younger than him. Through the years, with his extensive involvement in our community, I would always hear about all the amazing things he was doing. Fast forward, my 6 year old son Coast starting wrestling at Aston and my family fell in love with the sport. Felt like a part of something really special that Tommy had created. We would see Tommy in and out at practices. Summer came and Black Sheep camp it was. One of the camp days, Coast in all seriousness comes home and tells me he wants a full arm tattoo. This came seemingly out of nowhere so I asked how he came up with this idea. Well... "Coach Tom has that tattoo and I want to be like him." It made me laugh so hard. I also found out from Coach Steve Schol that Tommy had reached out to him during camp to let him know that Steve's wrestler (Coast) "was beating up on some Downingtown boys!" I just thought... wow, with all that man has going on, he has the time to acknowledge everyone. My kids go to private school and I'm not looking forward to continuing on this trajectory and paying for private high school. No lie, I had thought to myself... if there was something that could nudge my husband to go public, it would be the chance of Coast wrestling for Tommy... what an honor that would have been. I can't claim to know Tommy very well, but I feel a deep sadness over his loss. The light is the community he has created. So many people he has touched are here for you and here for eachother, even those you don't even know. Take care. I hope something of this has brought a smile to your face. -Kim Watson

Stephanie Ellis 95w

Chesmont Hall Of Fame Nomination Letter 10.2024

Pat Rafferty Athletic Director Sun Valley High School 10/9/2024 Dear Ches-mont League Athletic Directors, I am honored to nominate Coach Tommy Ellis, posthumously, for induction into the Ches-Mont League Hall of Fame. Tommy's exceptional contributions to Sun Valley High School and the Ches-Mont League wrestling community make him a deserving candidate for this prestigious recognition. Tommy’s coaching career is a testament to his commitment to excellence. He led the Sun Valley wrestling team to six Ches-Mont American Division Championships and was a two-time Ches-Mont Invitational Champion. His teams achieved over 100 career dual wins, with the last five years being particularly remarkable as they went undefeated in league competition during that span. Under his leadership, three of Tommy’s wrestlers earned state medals, with one of them achieving the incredible feat of becoming a two-time state champion. In addition, Tommy has coached multiple athletes to the milestone of 100 career wins, a testament to his ability to develop and inspire talent. Beyond his direct contributions to Sun Valley, Tommy served as a member of the District 1 Wrestling Steering Committee, where he was a vocal advocate for all wrestlers in the Ches-Mont League. His dedication was perhaps most evident during the Covid-shortened season when, despite overwhelming challenges, Tommy ensured that all of the wrestlers in our region had a chance to compete in the postseason by hosting the District 1 South Sectional tournament at Sun Valley. At a time when no other school was willing to host, Tommy’s leadership and determination shone through, providing Ches-mont athletes the opportunity to compete for a State Championship. Tragically, Tommy passed away this past summer. His legacy, however, will forever be etched in the hearts of those he coached and in the local wrestling community. Tommy Ellis was more than just a coach; he was a mentor, leader, and advocate for his athletes, always striving to help them achieve their best both on and off the mat. For these reasons and many more, I humbly ask the committee to recognize Coach Tommy Ellis with induction into the Ches-Mont League Hall of Fame. In every sense of the word, Coach Ellis exemplifies what it means to be a Hall of Fame coach. His achievements on the mat, his contributions to the wrestling community, and his commitment to his athletes and the Ches-mont League make him an ideal candidate for this prestigious honor. I wholeheartedly support his nomination and believe he is truly deserving of this recognition. Sincerely, Pat Rafferty

Stephanie Ellis 95w

Krystal Ford's Story

When I was in middle school, the Ellis family moved into a house in Brookhaven about a block away from where I lived. Jan and I were in the same grade and became good friends. I was over her house almost every day, and as a shy middle school girl, I was both terrified and in awe of her older brothers- especially Tommy, who was this loud, outgoing, confident older kid. He would always mess around with the boys we hung out with in the neighborhood, and I often felt like he was my big brother too. Life happened, and I found myself in the year 2020, with a 6 year old son who wanted to start wrestling. Covid had shut everything down, but the girl that was renting our old house in Aston told me about a small club that had just opened up called Black Sheep Wrestling. When I realized Tommy was the one who opened it, I sent him a message through Facebook asking him if he remembered me (he did), and asking if I could bring Nathan to his club. I remember the first night of practice- temperature checks in the parking lot, not allowed to stay and watch- I was a nervous wreck. But Nathan came home from practice and was so excited to show me all of the things his coach taught him. I still have a video of him talking excitedly about how to be in a wrestling stance, and then trying to get his sister to run at him so he could take her down. It wasn't long after that that they were allowed to start having meets again and real wrestling matches started. I remember asking Tommy how to toughen Nathan up because he cried every time he lost- and he told me to relax, that it would come naturally, that this was all a part of the process- and he was right. There were so many times that my husband Chris and I would go to Tommy either at Black Sheep or at the Aston meets and express our worries that maybe Nathan wasn't cut out for this sport- and every time he told us not to worry, that he was learning and growing and improving, slow and steady. More recently, we had been going to Black Sheep less, simply because there was really no one that was Nathan's size and skill level for him to pair up with. We took him to a few different places (Kraken, Malvern), but none of them felt like home the way Black Sheep did. He did do a couple month session at Black Sheep shortly before Tommy died, and I am so, so glad that he did. Tom would always call on Nasty Nate to demonstrate stuff in front of the rest of the kids, and he would say "that's one of my wrestlers", and I know it made Nathan feel so special. Tommy was the first person to die that Nathan really cared about, and it was a hard thing to walk him through. I was thrilled when I heard about the Memorial Tournament because I knew he would be so excited to compete in it. He ended up winning first place in his bracket, which was so special because it was the first time he has gotten 1st in a tournament ever. In his second match he was down 10-0 and he pinned his opponent with 6 seconds left in the 3rd period- and I swear I could hear Tommy cheering when he did. He also got the Outstanding Wrestler award that day, which he carried around the house with him (it even sat next to him at dinner for a while). He always said "I'm going to be a good wrestler because Coach Tommy said I'm going to be a good wrestler", and now he has a plaque that reminds him of that every day. Anyway, sorry this is so long- there's so much I wanted to convey to you about his impact on us, especially my son- and how wonderful it was to know him, and then to know him again in a different way. -Krystle Ford Thank you so much for sharing ❤️

Stephanie Ellis 95w

Blacksheep Family - Hartfuss Family

Obviously I meant Tommy through my son Rocco,wrestling and the Holefelder's. What always made Tommy a great guy in my eyes was that way he was with my Rocco and all the other kids. So much more than a coach. He was a friend, a mentor, a father figure to many. The reason this stuck out so much to me was it wasn't just for the kids on his Sun Valley team it was the same for all the kids he worked with. We are from Ridley and he gave Rocco just as much time as every other kid. Just wanted them all to do great things on the mat and off. There is one memory I have that will always stick out to me. The summer before Rocco's junior year the US Coast Guard Academy reached out to Rocco to apply there and wrestle for them. At the time Ridley did not have a coach due to Tony Fabri going to Oxford. Rocco was not sure if he planned to wrestle after high school and needed someone to talk to about it. Tommy was the one he chose to go to. I remember Rocco telling us that Tommy said you got this but you also have to be committed. He told Rocco whether he wrestled or not he had to make the decision that was best for him. When it came time to fill out the application we had to list a high school coach and a club coach to contact and since we didn't have a high school coach at the time Tommy said to list him as his coach for both. WOW , there are no words ❤️. He always went above and beyond. Rocco did not choose to go to the Academy and wrestle but he followed his heart and went into the Coast Guard as you know. I want to thank you and your girls for sharing your Tommy with my Rocco and so many others. He was truly one of a kind. May the memories of him live on forever in your heart. ❤️ Also, I think what you are doing writing his story is a wonderful thing, God Bless ❤️ -Amy Hartfuss Rocco Hartfuss's mom

Stephanie Ellis 95w

My friend Tommy Ellis

I knew of Tommy before 2010, I just didn't know him personally. Our son Nick showed interest in wrestling so I took him to a friend Ed Bailey for training. Nick joined Northley wrestling in 7th grade the Bostwick brothers were coaching. Nick had a great season. The following year Nicks 8th grade season Tommy took over as coach. I had to become more familiar with Coach Tom because Nick was different and Tommy needed to know this. Well he soon found out. Nick fell in love with wrestling and being a part of a team helped him with his socializing. I was slowly getting to know Tommy and BJ at this time. I offered my help as a parent and Tom accepted the help. As the seasons came and went we became good friends. Myself and Janice were volunteering with the High school team running the concession stand. It seemed anything that had to do with the kids was Tom's first priority and became mine also. Tommy came to me one day and wanted to discuss one of the wrestlers ( Michael ). He was living from couch to couch after being thrown out on the streets. After talking to my wife and son we invited Michael to live with us. Michael lived with us for two years. I knew then that Tommy loved these kids and so did I. We were wrestling all 12 months now. Team Defient, Turks Head and Sun Valley. The coaches we had in the early years. Phil, Matt , Steve ,What a family we had become. We met coaches from all over the state. Then the team was getting better. Our early trips to Hershy were the best. Wrestling , bowling, Pizza. And a few late night trips to the casino. As I write this I am now seeing what all this really means to me. Steph and the girls. Tommy's mom Jan and Dave. BJ And Melissa Barlow. Kelly Poole. And countless people who have been brought into my life. I am so Blessed because of all of you. I miss my buddy. It's going to be a tough season without you. Forever your friend Mike Garvey