Feb. 10, 2006--Thomas M. Ellis, a rowing coach with the University of Delaware club and varsity programs from 1993-2003, died on Tuesday, Feb. 7. He was 44.

Mr. Ellis coached both the lightweight men and the women during the years when rowing was a club sport and served as an assistant to former UD head coach Amanda Kukla on the women's varsity team from 1998-2003.

During his tenure, the Fightin' Blue Hens enjoyed outstanding success, capturing the Kerr Cup and Colonial Athletic Association team title in both 2002 and 2003, placing among the top four teams at the prestigious Dad Vail Regatta five times and winning the Dad Vail team title in 2001.

Originally from Philadelphia, Mr. Ellis attended St. Joseph's Preparatory School and Temple University and was the coxswain for the rowing teams at both institutions. He earned his undergraduate degree from Temple in 1984.

Mr. Ellis was a member of the U.S. National Team in 1984, and was also a member of the U.S. pre-elite team that won the English Henley.

He is survived by his wife, Anne Ellis; his sons, Patrick K. Ellis, of West Grove, Pa., Samuel K. Ellis, of West Grove, and Thomas F. Ellis, of Chadds Ford, Pa.; his brother, Francis Ellis, of Cinnaminson, N.J.; and his sister, Mary Noel Hall, of West Chester, Pa.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 11, at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Church, 10 Old Church Rd., Greenville. Burial will be private.