Thomas J. Leonard

Thomas J. Leonard, 77 of Boston, Massachusetts passed away on Thursday, January 15, 2026
after a brief battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Sandra Truant and daughter Whitney
Leonard. Over the course of his life, Tom was known for several achievements. He attended
Keene State College, where he played baseball, graduated with a Bachelor of Music Education
and later received his graduate degree from Boston University. Tom joined the United Service
Organization (USO) in college and spent time in Spain, Germany and Portugal, where he played
as a percussionist in several major performances with popular artists of the 1960s. Tom began
his teaching and administration career at Warren Junior High School in his early 20s and later
became Newton North High School's Music and Fine Arts Department Chairman, Marching
Band Director (where he was known by the football coaches as Coach Lenny and The Music
Man) and music teacher for 38 years. Tom also taught Music Theory at the Boston Conservatory
to graduate students in the evenings, early on in his career, because it was simply his passion.
Tom believed that exposure to art, music, and different cultures was vital to a student's growth
as a human being. During several April vacations, Tom brought his students to several places in
the US and Canada. He also brought them to Italy, France, and England to study with students
from other cultures, visit museums and provide them with the opportunity to perform in well
known places, such as the Palazzo Vecchio.
When he retired, Newton North High School founded the Tom Leonard Scholarship Award, which remains active to this day and is awarded to students who show the most dedication and passion to the art of music. Tom is remembered by his colleagues and students as someone who was a true leader and educator. Tom listened to them without judgement, provided quiet and sound advice when necessary, and was humble to new thoughts and opinions. Tom always approached people with a smile and a sense of humor that not only evoked laughter but also fostered a feeling of humility and safety within the classroom. One colleague noted that Tom told them to "never be afraid to speak up" because that was how they would be able to change not only their life but the lives of others. Tom had several passions outside of work. He loved going to Red Sox games, visiting art museums with his wife Sandra, listening to music, cooking, traveling, and most of all spending time at home with his wife and daughter. Family was everything to him and he made sure that they always came first. When his daughter was four, she wanted to play baseball. Others told her she
couldn't play, so Tom brought home a baseball and a mit, placed the ball in her hand, and said,
"Girls can play baseball, too."
Tom's family, friends, colleagues, and former students will always
remember him for his positive mindset, kindness, patience, generosity, sincerity, and passion for
life. "As long as you are a good person and do good for others, you're alright in my book"
A Celebration of Life will take place at the end of June.
As June approaches, more information will be provided about the ceremony.