Thomas Nelson Leonard

It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the passing of Nelson Leonard, beloved husband, father, brother, friend, video editor, and lover of all things on two wheels.
Nelson grew up in Columbus, Ohio, the eldest son of Rueben and Elizabeth Leonard, and brother to Elizabeth and Christopher. There he developed his love of bikes, dirt bikes, and motorcycles, often racing around with his friends Andy and Guy.
Nelson was the rare individual who found his ideal career early in life. Upon discovering video production at Ohio University, his path was set. He made his way to NY where his talent shone through editing innumerable tv commercials, working with many of the top names in commercial directing. He moved from the Tape House to Editing Concepts, capping his career as a founding partner and editor at The Now Corporation for over 20 years. He was an award-winning editor, especially proud of ads for Ikea, Snapple, and Burger King as well as Superbowl spots for the NFL and NBC. Later he branched out into editing feature films as well as two seasons of the tv show "Married."
Editing also brought Nelson the love of his life, Victoria, when they met at Editing Concepts. The two shared a zest for travel, biking, and simply spending time together in NYC and on Long Beach Island, NJ. They moved to Millburn, NJ in 2002 where they raised their daughters Hazel and Amelia. Their daughters enriched Nelson's life exponentially and he was incredibly proud of the young woman each has become. Over 21 years in Millburn, their lives were a rich tapestry of family, friends, travel, and laughter. As Nelson once said, "A strong family based in love can make a lifetime's worth of adventures possible. And through these adventures, every member can flourish."
Ready for a new adventure, Nelson and Victoria moved to Rehoboth Beach, DE in 2023. A cancer diagnosis shortly after arrival was an unwelcome surprise, but Nelson and Victoria embarked on a No Regrets tour, full of concerts, travel, trips to the beach, a new tattoo, and most importantly, spending as much time as possible with family and friends.
Nelson is survived by his wife of 25 years, Victoria Plummer, daughters Hazel and Amelia Leonard, sister Elizabeth Sweet and husband Scott, brother-in-law Don Plummer and wife Valerie Lawrence. He also leaves behind cherished nieces and nephews Drew (Ritu) Sweet, Hannah (Myles) Didlick, Annabelle Leonard, and Luna and Luc Plummer. He was excited to become a great-uncle recently with the addition of Micah Didlick to the family. He also leaves behind many friends, valued co-creatives from editing, and relatives by marriage. He is predeceased by his father Rueben Leonard, mother Elizabeth Lynn Leonard, and brother Christopher Leonard.
Funeral services will be held privately at the family's request. However, all are invited to attend a celebration of life on Sunday August 10. Please see more details here: https://victoriaplummer.my.canva.site/nelson-leonard-celebration-of-life
If you wish to honor Nelson's memory, please consider doing something he loved and think of him: take a bike ride, raise a cocktail, or crank up "Gimme Shelter".
Please sign the tribute wall at this site.