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; sister-in-law Kathryn Leonard; and brother-in-law Scott Henry and his wife Kelly. 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; Lauren, Brooke and Haley Henry; 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 proper celebration of Tom’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Tom’s family has designated the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation to honor his legacy. This foundation supports the families of fallen and surviving firefighters, law enforcement, first responders and military service personnel. It also offers mortgage-free smart homes for military servicemen and women who have been injured in the line of duty. The donate link is on the right hand side of this memorial page.

The Leonard family invites you to share condolences, remembrances, stories, and photos about Tom’s life on this memorial page.