Raymond (Ray) Thomas Leonard passed away peacefully on November 18, 2025, with his daughter by his side, after a brief battle with illness.

Ray was born to Josephine and Raymond Leonard on May 30, 1953 in Elizabeth, NJ. Ray attended Arthur L Johnson High School in Clark and went on to play soccer for Jacksonville University.

Ray had a successful and rewarding career in Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity, working with several Fortune 500 companies. Along the way, he made many lifelong friends and cherished memories from his travels.

Ray had a passion for photography which led him to his side hustle as a wedding photographer, working with Charles Anthony Studio. Ray met the love of his life, Nancy, while shooting the wedding of his soon to be sister in law. For many years he enjoyed being a part of so many people’s special days (as well as the shrimp cocktail that went with it). He also served as the family photographer and videographer, capturing so many memories of holidays, birthdays, dance parties, and summers spent at his favorite place, Seaside Park. We will cherish those memories forever. 

In his retirement, Ray spent his time working at Bishop’s Supermarket in Whitehouse Station, where he enjoyed taking care of the produce section and interacting with his coworkers and the regular customers. He always marveled at how fast avocados and bananas flew off the shelves. 

Everyone that knew Ray, knew he had a zest for life and an incredible sense of humor. He was rarely without a joke, a prank, a sassy come back, or a Three Stooges quote. He had the biggest heart and wanted nothing more in life than to make others smile and share happiness. Even in his final days, he was cracking jokes. When asked “how do you feel?”, he responded, “with my hands!”.

A lifelong New York Yankees fan, Ray amassed an impressive collection of gear and memorabilia over the years. He attended over 30 home openers and countless games, both home and away. When he wasn’t at Yankee Stadium, you could always count on hearing his cheers (and occasional yelling) during every game from his living room.

Music was another great love of Ray’s, one he shared with his wife, Nancy, and passed down to his children. Music was a staple in his home and it brought him so much joy. You could often hear him blasting Bruce Springsteen, Fitz and the Tantrums, Tom Petty, The Killers, Glenn Miller Orchestra, or Uptown Funk from a mile away. 

Ray’s love for music went beyond just listening. It was part of the way he connected with Nancy. When it came time to propose, he wanted to do it down the shore on 10th Avenue, an ode to the iconic Springsteen song. But as fate would have it, it was too cold that day, and they never quite made it to 10th Avenue. Still, Ray wasn’t going to let that stop him. Right there, on the spot, he got down on one knee, and of course, Nancy said yes.

Ray also had an appreciation for good food, especially a big old steak. Whether cooking for himself or others, he took great joy in preparing and sharing meals with others. During many family meals, especially on holidays, you could hear him jokingly say, “this sucks,” with a big grin on his face.

Above all, Ray was an incredibly proud, dedicated, and loving father. He celebrated every milestone of his children’s lives and was their biggest supporter. His children were his pride and joy. 

Ray is predeceased by his loving parents, Josephine and Raymond, his beautiful wife, Nancy, and his beloved son, Michael. 

He is survived by his daughter, Katie, his dog, Luna, his brother and sister-in-law, Bruce and Phyllis Leonard, his sister, Maryann Nadler, Nancy’s siblings and in-laws who loved him like their own, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends that he loved very much. 

Ray’s passing leaves a hole in our hearts. We are comforted by the knowledge that he is now reunited with his wife and son. He will be missed terribly by all who knew and loved him, but his memory will live on in the stories, laughter, and moments he shared with us.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Hubert’s (https://www.sthuberts.org/donate) where Ray rescued his sweet companion, Luna or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?px=9077317&fr_id=154020&pg=personal).