NORTHBOROUGH

Michael William Ellsworth, 72, passed away peacefully at home on June 13, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of nearly 44 years, Sheila (Drew) Ellsworth.

Born on December 13, 1952, and raised in Northborough, Mike was the son of the late Edward Ellsworth and Marie (Brady) Ellsworth. He loved Northborough deeply and spent his entire life there, remaining rooted in the community that shaped him. Mike graduated from St John's High School in Shrewsbury, followed by Quinsigamond Community College and Worcester State College. He later earned his master's degree in Criminal Justice from Anna Maria College.

Growing up next to the firehouse where his grandfather, William F. "Mickey" Ellsworth, served as the station's first fire and police dispatcher, Mike learned the value of public service early on. His father also served the Northborough Fire Department for twenty years. In 1974, Mike followed in their footsteps and joined the Northborough Police Department as a patrolman. He rose through the ranks to become a detective and then a sergeant before being appointed Chief of Police in the town of Bolton.

Mike's greatest source of strength and joy was his wife, Sheila. He adored her - not just for her kindness, humor, and unwavering support, but for the quiet, steady way she made everything in his life possible. Every accomplishment he achieved, he credited to her encouragement and partnership. Their nearly 44 years together were marked by deep love, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to family and community. Her passing left a profound void in his heart, but her presence remained the guiding force in his life.

Mike and Sheila raised their three daughters in Northborough, instilling in them the same commitment to family and community that guided his life. As his daughters approached college age, Mike made a selfless decision - he left municipal policing to serve with the police department at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. He retired in 2017 after 18 years of dedicated service. This transition allowed him to give his daughters a priceless gift: the opportunity to pursue a tuition-free college education.

Mike took immense pride in his daughters, not only in their accomplishments but in the compassionate, capable women they became. Whether they were achieving academic success, navigating challenges, or simply showing kindness to others, Mike never missed an opportunity to express how lucky he felt to be their father. He often said that raising Tara, Erin, and Colleen was the most important and rewarding work of his life.

Mike was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus and the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He took great pride in his Irish heritage and especially loved watching his granddaughters, Felicia and Alexis, carry on that legacy through Irish dance.

He is survived by his children: Tara (Ellsworth) Hamond and her husband Jeremy of Dunstable, MA; Erin Ellsworth of Framingham, MA; and Colleen Ellsworth of Sterling, MA. He also leaves behind his cherished granddaughters, Felicia and Alexis Hamond; his siblings Maureen (Ellsworth) Sargent, Tim Ellsworth, Sheila (Ellsworth) Cummings and her husband Russ, and his twin sister Kate Ellsworth; as well as Mary Tocci and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Pfc. Neil R. Ellsworth, who was killed in combat in 1967 while serving as a paratrooper in the Vietnam War.

Visiting hours will be held Thursday, June 19, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street, Northborough. A funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Friday, June 20, at St. Rose of Lima Parish, 244 West Main Street, Northborough. Burial will follow in Howard Street Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mike's memory to the Sterling Animal Shelter (www.sterlingshelter.org), in recognition of his lifelong love of animals. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.