Michael A. Ellslager

Michael Alan Ellslager, known to many throughout his life as James Thomas, passed away on the evening of October 3, 2026, in Westborough, Massachusetts, at the age of 76.

Michael was born on November 12, 1949, in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of the late William and Grace Ellslager. He attended Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania, receiving a bachelors in psychology and a Master’s in business.

Michael proudly served his country in the United States Navy, entering active duty in 1971 and serving as a Lieutenant in intelligence. His naval service included time aboard the USS Roosevelt and with Attack Squadron 174 (VA-174) at Naval Air Station Cecil Field in Florida, where he served under Commander John McCain. During his military career, Michael received the National Defense Service Medal and Meritorious Unit Citation. After nearly six years of active duty, he was honorably separated in 1977 and transferred to the Naval Reserve.

Following his military service, Michael spent many years in the trucking industry, working as a terminal manager until 1992. Later in life, however, he found work that came to mean far more to him than simply a job. For the past ten years, Michael worked with Beacon Mobility, driving a bus route for children with special needs. He formed an extraordinary bond with the children he transported, affectionately referring to them as “his kids.” He cared deeply for them, and they cared just as deeply for him in return.

At the center of Michael's life was his family. Upon marrying his wife, Sandy Thomas, Michael took her surname and became known to many as James Thomas. His devotion to Sandy could be seen in the countless things he did for her and for the home and life they shared. Whether there was something to be taken care of around the house, work to be done in the yard, or simply something that would make her life a little easier, his family knew the reason behind it: Pops did everything for Mom.

His family was also his favorite subject. At the end of the day, there was little Michael enjoyed more than sitting down and talking about his children—what they were doing, the jobs they were working on, and the lives they were building. He followed their accomplishments with genuine interest and tremendous pride, and his face would light up whenever he heard their latest stories.

That enormous capacity for love extended to his dogs, whom he loved every bit as fiercely as his children. His German Shepherds, Calypso, Cadence, and Nobska, were beloved members of his family.

Michael also loved his music, particularly Journey and Stevie Nicks, and remained a devoted Cleveland Browns fan. And for nearly thirty years, there was almost always a Miata in Michael's life. He owned several over the years, but to him, a Miata was never simply a car. It was his freedom.

Michael leaves behind his wife, Sandy Thomas; his children, Paul Ellslager and his wife, Victoria; Kenneth Ellslager and his fiancé Ariane Cucchi; Damien Ellslager and his wife, Erin; and Damalyn Ellslager-Matthews and her husband, Mo Matthews.

He also leaves behind ten grandchildren: Kaylin Ellslager; Anna Ellslager and her fiancé, Luis; Kalianna; Brayden Ellslager; Ronin Hartman; Michael Ellslager; Amialyn Matthews; Tao-Michael Matthews; Sandilyn Matthews; and Moe'Adam Matthews; as well as his great-grandchildren, Jaydon and Annalise.

Michael will be laid to rest at Pine Grove Cemetery in Westborough, wearing the uniform of the United States Navy he once proudly served. Military honors will recognize his years of service to his country.

To those who knew him as Michael, those who knew him as James, those who called him Pops or Grandpa, and the children on his “party van” who simply knew that he was theirs, he will be deeply missed.

His graveside service with Military Honors will be held on Friday, October 9, at 11:00 A.M., in the Veterans Grove Section of Pine Grove Cemetery, 106 South Street, Westborough.