Obituary of Nelson B. Leenhouts

On Friday, August 9, Nelson Leenhouts passed away peacefully in his home. Predeceased by his wife, Nancy Leenhouts, his twin brother, Norman Leenhouts and grandson, William (Billy) Struzzi, first wife, June (Ingleson) Brush, brother-in-law, James (Jim) Ingleson, and son-in-law, Richard Struzzi. He is survived by his loving family, sister, Martha; children, Deborah Leenhouts, Cathy (Garry) Sperrick, Jeff (Kristen) Leenhouts, Marci (Michael) Hart, Jodi (John) Falk; grandchildren, Zachary Shumway, Linnea Shumway (Darrell Vannederynen), Josh & Samantha Shumway, Sarah (AJ) Struzzi-Noto, Megan (Eric) Houppert, Colin, Matthew, Eric & Claire Leenhouts; Katie Hart, Morgan (Mike) Bowman, Emma (Brian) Sisler & Aidan Falk, and great-grandchildren, Emmy & Hazel Houppert.

Nelson grew up on a farm in Ontario, New York.  He attended primary school in a one room schoolhouse nearby.  After the death of his father, Peter, when he was 9, his mother built the Leenhouts Dairy on Route 104 in Ontario.  Nelson was always very proud of his mother who overcame many hardships to raise a family and run a business, all while retaining a strong faith. 

After graduating from Wayne Central High School, and then the University of Rochester, Nelson worked at IBM and General Railway Signal in the budding computer industry.

In 1969, Nelson and his brother Norm started Home Leasing Corporation, dedicating the next 27 years to developing and managing a variety of real estate projects in the Rochester area. Many people partnered in these ventures, and by 1994, they had gained 400 investors. Nelson was deeply grateful for the trust and support of the Rochester Community, that allowed them to build an innovative real estate business.  

In 1994 the brothers successfully completed an Initial Public Offering to form Home Properties, which was traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Home Properties acquired and managed apartments in 12 states across the northeast.  Nelson would attribute the success of Home Properties to servant leadership and their excellent employees.  Nelson and Norman stepped down as Co-Chairman and Co-CEOs of Home Properties in 2004. 

In his later years Nelson wanted to give back, starting a family-owned business Home Leasing LLC, which specializes in the development, construction and management of affordable housing.  Over the last 20 years, Home Leasing has developed over 35 communities in three states.  Nelson often reflected on how blessed he was to be in the business of serving others.  His vision was to create a world where everyone has access to safe, affordable housing, in vibrant communities.

Nelson was a family man.  His greatest joy was to bring the 4 generations together for meals, vacations and competitions, preferably involving fishing!   He found great peace in the outdoors and loved spending time on the tractor at his farm in Walworth, where he planted over 400 sugar maple trees.  

In business and in life, Nelson’s faith was his cornerstone.  He demonstrated a deep passion for people, treating all with respect, and always seeing the potential in others.  He will be greatly missed by his family and friends, and the greater Rochester community.  

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, August 22 from 2:30-5:30pm at Harloff Funeral Home, 803 S. Washington Street  in East Rochester. A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, August 24 11:00am at Browncroft Community Church in Penfield. The service will be livestreamed. https://browncroft.online.church/

 In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Heritage Christian Services, Lifespan or the Spiritus Christi Prison Outreach program.