Thomas Frank Leonardis

Thomas F. Leonardis, known affectionately as Tom to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2026, in Austin, Texas, at the age of 82. Born on December 28, 1943, in Keyport, New Jersey, Tom's journey through life was marked by his intelligence, wisdom, and the joy he found in the simple pleasures of golf, boating, and spending time at the lake.

Tom's early years in Keyport laid the foundation for a life of ambition and achievement. He pursued higher education at Ohio Northern University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in business administration, a field that would become the cornerstone of his professional life. His career in the energy industry was distinguished by his dedication and expertise, which led him to work for several organizations, taking him from Ohio to Pennsylvania, Maryland, Texas and California. He then returned to Texas before taking the entrepreneurial leap to purchase Ember Industries in San Marcos in 2001. Under his leadership, the company flourished, and Tom became a respected figure in the business community.

Tom had the pleasure of playing some of the greatest golf courses around the country and the world. He achieved one of the rarer feats in the game, scoring a hole in one on the second hole at Onion Creek CC. He was also inducted into the Onion Creek MGA Hall of Fame in 2022.

Tom's life was enriched by the love and companionship of his family. He was preceded in death by his father, Frank and mother, Ann, and his sisters Lois and Judy. He is survived by his beloved wife, Rose Leonardis, and their children: daughter Lisa Wells and her husband Matt, sons Frank Leonardis and his fiancée Sherry Skidmore, Rob Leonardis and his wife Tara, and Greg Leonardis and his wife Christi. Tom's legacy continues through his grandchildren Austin, Thomas, Sam, Ashley, Morgan, Reed, Cooper, and Tyler, as well as his great-grandchildren Alexia, Frank, and Arklan. His passing is also deeply felt by numerous other family members and friends, who will cherish his memory.

Tom's life was a testament to the values of hard work, family, and enjoying life's moments. His intelligence was evident in every business decision he made, and his wisdom guided his family through times of joy and hardship. Friends and colleagues often sought Tom's advice, knowing that his insights came from a place of experience and thoughtful consideration.

As we say goodbye to Tom, we celebrate a life well-lived, a man well-loved, and a legacy that will continue to inspire for generations to come.