Ernest M. Thomas 75 of Ashland passed away Monday, November 7th at his home after a period of declining health. He was the husband of Rosanne (Bertolino) Thomas and they had been married 54 years. Born in Framingham he was the son of the late Ernest and Blanche (Nevers) Thomas and he had lived in Ashland since 1957. He was a graduate of Framingham High School Class of 1948. After serving his country with the United States Army during the Korean War, he worked at Fenwal Corporation in Ashland until 1965 when he joined the family business (Framingham Baking Co.) in Framingham, where he worked along with his wife and family until his retirement in 1995. Ernie was an avid fisherman and he also loved to read. He would frequently be seen at the shores of the Hopkinton State Park either reading a book or fishing with his buddies. He was a member of the Christopher Columbus Society and the Southborough Rod and Gun Club. Besides his wife he is survived by one son: Ernest Thomas and his wife Susan of Hopkinton, Three daughters: Cheryl Thomas and her husband Vincent Petruccillo of Narragansett,R.I. Joan Thomas of Framingham and Kathryn Rich and her husband John of Mendon. Two brothers: John Thomas of Ludlow and Lawrence Thomas of Lake Havsou City, Az. Five grandchildren. He was the brother of the late Philip Thomas and Helen Gauvin. A funeral service will be held on Thursday November 10th in the Chapel of the Matarese Funeral Home 325 Main St. Ashland at 11:00am with interment to follow in Wildwood Cemetery in Ashland. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday from 4-8pm in the funeral home. Donations may be made in his memory to the Ashland Ambulance Fund c/o Ashland Fire Department Cedar St. Ashland, Ma.01721.