Nicholas M. Leal

Nicholas M. Leal (Nick), aged 36, passed away peacefully while surrounded by family members on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at the University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center. 

Nick is lovingly remembered by his mother, Kathleen Berthiaume Leal and his stepfather, Jeffrey Etzkin of East Greenwich, RI, his father, Michael J. Leal of Oakham, MA, and his stepbrother and best friend, Daniel Haddad of Worcester, MA. 

Nick also had a huge number of aunts, uncles, cousins, etc., in the Worcester, MA area along with Arizona, Texas, and other parts of New England. 

Nick’s family roots and friendships were deeply interwoven into the fabric of Central Massachusetts in particular. Nick was also an integral part of the small business community of Worcester and its surrounding communities through his co-ownership of the Executive Lawn Service, working beside his father Mike.

Nick started his amazing life in Nyack, NY 36 years ago. He eventually moved to Highland Village, TX where he excelled in academics while also playing 7A level football for one of the premier football High Schools in the US, Marcus High School, a former state championship team. 

Nick was especially formidable on the football field. The adage about dynamite coming in small packages applied to Nick’s success on the football field. While Nick’s physical stature was smaller than his counterparts, his teammates remember him as courageous and relentless when the pads were on. Nick’s teammates also remember him as loyal and trustworthy. These same attributes served Nick his entire life as evidenced by the deep support and love of his friends, family members and acquaintances.

 After graduation from Marcus High School, Nick moved back to Massachusetts and began working with his father, Mike, at Executive Lawn Service. Nick eventually became part owner of the business and helped to increase the client base and improved operational aspects. He was dedicated to his future success.

Nick was an avid car enthusiast as well as a dedicated Dallas Cowboys football fan. Nick also collected watches as a hobby. He particularly shared a love for fine dining. He actively searched for unique cultural restaurants and developed skills as a home cook, daily sharing recipes with his mother, Kathleen. He made a fantastic Chicken Piccata. 

Most recently, Nick and one of his business partners, Shane Taylor, received a Chief of Police Citation award, from the Worcester Police Department, for acting “selflessly, heroically, and beyond the demands required of a civilian,” when coming to the aid of a police officer fearing imminent danger or death. 

Nick had the ability to fill a room with his personality. His charisma, his ability to read a room, and his gregarious nature made people feel good about themselves and others. Nick was a natural leader and great friend. He will be sadly missed but happily remembered and loved.

The family will hold a celebration of life memorial gathering on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at Chester P. Tuttle Post 279 located at 88 Bancroft Street, Auburn, MA 01501 beginning at 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. We would greatly appreciate an RSVP to attend, or wish to send a note, to jeff.etzkin@gmail.com.