Obituary of Thomas John Leonard

Thomas John Leonard, a long-time resident of Montclair, New Jersey, passed away at the age of 60 on April 8, of complications from COVID-19. Tom was the middle child of five, born on June 19, 1959 in Flushing, Queens. The role of negotiator, mediator and advisor would be his calling card throughout his life.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years, Patricia Henry Leonard, along with their twin sons Brian Henry Leonard (25) and Gavin Henry Leonard (25). He is also survived by his sister Kathleen Linehan and her husband Edward; his sister, Tricia Kelly and her husband Thomas; his brother Gerard Leonard; and his sister-in-law Kathryn Leonard. He also leaves behind his much loved nieces and nephews: Maureen Franceze, Karen and Jennifer Linehan; Kate Capilupi and Thomas Leonard; Margaret, Elizabeth, Caroline and Jack Kelly; James, Corey and Delaney Leonard; and a tribe of adored grandnieces and grandnephews. 

He is predeceased by his parents Helen & Gerard Leonard, and his brother Robert M. Leonard. 

Tom was a partner and attorney at the New York City firm Barry, McTiernan & Moore. He graduated from Regis High School in New York City, N.Y. in 1977, earned a B.A., from Fordham University in 1981, and a J.D., from New York Law School in 1984. He served as an assistant district attorney in Bronx County, NY, for four years upon his graduation from law school. He was a member of the New York State Bar Association, the Bronx Bar Association, and the New Jersey Bar Association. Tom was a brilliant attorney, loved and respected by his peers and adversaries alike.

Tom was an equally brilliant family member and friend. He was a lifelong sports enthusiast. He loved golf, and was a longstanding member and board member at the Montclair Golf Club. He loved skiing out west at Beaver Creek, Colorado, and enjoyed après-ski just as much. Tom was a passionate and devoted fan of the NY Rangers, NY Mets and the NY Giants (even when any one of their seasons would torture him so).

Tom’s deepest commitment was to his family and friends. He loved to entertain everyone in his home. He was a terrific chef and host, and was always ready to share his wine cellar. He was a scholar of history, a voracious reader, and an avid Jeopardy viewer and home competitor. He loved all kinds of music and was especially partial to country music. He was the erstwhile IT/tech department for many, always current on the latest gadgets, and a car fanatic for life. He was a true patriot and renaissance man. Tom was funny, gregarious, loving and generous to all who knew him. Truly, he has been assigned a place among the saints in heaven.

A celebration of Tom’s life is planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, Tom’s family will be designating a charity to honor his legacy. The Leonard family invites you to share condolences, remembrances, stories and photos of Tom’s life at the GatheringUs website. The link is https://www.gatheringus.com/memorial/thomas-j-leonard/3005