John L Tracy

Monson, MA - John L. Tracy, 85, passed away Tuesday February 1, 2022 surrounded by love of family. Born in Springfield, MA, May 9, 1936, to Garfield William and Bernadette Mary (Gour) Tracy.  Moved to Hampden, MA in 1948 with his parents, and his brothers.

He was a 1954 graduate of Springfield Technical High School.  Upon graduation, John enlisted in the U.S. Navy.  During his four years in the Navy, he was a Radarman on the USS Currituck AV7 a seaplane tender, and the Aircraft Carrier USS Wasp CV18 from 1956-1958 from 1955-1956.  He decided to end his tour of duty in 1958.

After his service ended, he went back to Hampden and decided to start a college course at Wentworth Institute in Boston.  In 1961 he decided to go back to the building trade as a carpenter and in 1965 opened his business, John L. Tracy Designs as a Residential Designer.  His office was on Baldwin Street in East Longmeadow for 36 years.  He focused on designing custom homes for new owners; home remodeling, additions, and working close with builders, contractors, and with the town inspectors. He decided to “semi-retire” to an office attached to his home, in Monson, MA., in 2006 where he continued to work for another 10 years.  His biggest accomplishment was custom designing the mansion for former Friendly’s Owner Presley Blake in Somers, CT.  He has over 5,000 custom designed residential buildings that span the eastern seaboard, and numerous commercial buildings.  He decided to retire from the trade and close his business in 2016.

He is survived by his Loving wife and partner of 41 years Judith Ann (Muller) Tracy, his brother Philip E. Tracy and his wife Sarah of Richmond, RI., a son Christopher S. Tracy and wife Jennings of Palmer, MA., a daughter Kelly A. (Tracy) Taranowski and husband Lloyd of Nashua, NH., a son Timothy L. Tracy and Wife Kathleen A (Kane) Tracy of Springfield, MA., a step-son Willard  Gralia of Maine, a step-daughter Donna M. (Gralia) Bailey and partner Robert Derby of Springfield, Ma., a step-son David M. Gralia and wife Lea of Wilbraham, MA., 18 Grandchildren, 7 Great-Grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

John was pre-deceased by his Brother Paul G Tracy in 2002.

Most of all, he loved, God, his Wife Judith Ann, his complete extended family, working on the “Farm”, riding horses, doing crafts, building things for and around the farm and the Cottage, his rooster Jake, and his country.  “God Bless America”.

In John’s words, “My only hope is that I at least made a difference”.

Visiting hours will be held Monday, February 7, 2022 from 5-8pm.  A funeral service will be held Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at 10 am in the Funeral home.  Face coverings are asked to be worn while in the funeral home. 

Burial will be held in the Spring at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Hampden with Military Honors. 

In lieu of flowers please consider a memorial contribution in John’s memory to St Jude Childrens Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105-1942.  

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