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Donald Tracy Obituary
AGE: 57 • Long Beach Island
Donald (Don) Samuel Tracy Jr., 57, died Sunday, May 26, 2013. He was born to Donald S. Tracy and the late Emilie Z. Tracy, in Charleston, SC on May 7, 1956. He grew up in Nanuet, NY, graduated from Nanuet Senior High School, then earned a Bachelor's degree in English from Manhattan College. During childhood vacations on Long Beach Island, NJ, Don fell in love with the Island and made it his home, opening Bay Haven Marina, where he lived out his days on his beloved Little Egg Harbor Bay. Through hard work and superior skills as a marine mechanic, he grew his business into a local fixture. Known for his gift of gab, Don regaled friends old and new with his amusing anecdotes at every opportunity, usually with a black Labrador Retriever at his side. He was kind-hearted, diplomatic and always able to generate laughter. He loved Labrador Retrievers, the New York Giants, collecting classic cars, bicycling, tinkering with machinery, telling jokes and talking with everyone.
Don is survived by his father, Donald S. Tracy; his brother, Bruce Tracy; and sisters, Judy Pirela and Emilie Tracy. He is also survived by three nieces, Judy Pirela, Jenny Pirela, and Kristina Tracy; and his nephew, Knute Tracy.
The family will receive visitors from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 7, 2013, with a service at 8:30 p.m. at Maxwell Funeral Home, 573 Mill Creek Road, Manahawkin. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Heart Association.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Tracy
Jamie
May 28, 2025
We miss you Donski 12 years. I really flown by the world is different without you in it.
Jamie
May 28, 2024
11 years without you .......
David Payne
March 18, 2024
I am sad to to find out while searching on the internet yesterday ( ST. Pattys day ) to see if I could get his phone number to contact him. I moved to Florida and lost touch with him. I worked for Don at Dockside marine and was there working with him when he purchased the Marina. Pat Harrington and I worked with Don replacing Pilings that were lifted by the Winter Ice. Not to mention the rest of the work Stocking and opening his Marina. I learned so much being Don's Mechanic for 10 years. He was like a Brother to me. I'm really sad but really glad to have worked with such a Great Man.
Jamie
May 28, 2022
9 years gone....... Donski I miss you .......
Jamie
June 7, 2021
Well Don....... . No matter how much time has gone by I still think of you everyday. Wondering how life would be so different if you were still here. I miss you tons. But you know that...... ❤Thanks you for continuing to answer my prayers and watching over my sweet babies.
Love you...... Jamie
Peter VanDyke
May 28, 2020
One of the truly greatest friendships of my early adult life was with Don at Manhattan College. A man of indomitable generosity and enthusiasms, I am sorry I never had the opportunity to express my gratitude as we grew older. Best of wishes to his surviving family.
James Flood
May 28, 2019
Don was a great friend. We roomed together in college and had a lot of fun together. Great sense of humor and was sad to hear he had passed. There were five of us that had an apartment in the Bronx. Don, John Edgley and Tom Woods are all gone. I hope the three of them are having a beer together.
Peter VanDyke
May 28, 2019
A friend in the greatest sense; his generosity and enthusiasm brought remarkable meaning to the idea: Friendship. A man of tremendous value worth remembering.
jamie
November 16, 2014
thinking of you………...
Jamie Roth-jarka
October 3, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Jamie
July 19, 2014
Donski.... Miss u and thinking about you. Was looking at a photo of the marina.... Trying to understand why you are not there running all over the place trying to please everyone. Miss u tons. Bryn is getting so so big and I go back to work soon. Can't deal with the fact that I won't be with her everyday. She's growing too fast. I know if you were here and I was venting about it, you would make me feel better. I miss you .... Wish I could talk to you, don. Xxxxoooo
June 29, 2014
Over 13 months have passed….wish you were around to tell Brian and I that we should be out on the boat instead of renovating a new home. You would love the house tho…
We went to my best friends wedding in the Keys last week. We could not help but think of you and talk about how much you would fit in perfectly down there. That's the kind of place that I know you are hanging out at right now. Just sitting and BS'ing with all the locals. We miss you, Don. Gosh I hope you see what is going on here. It's not the same without you. Tinker is doing well tho, and is on a well-balanced diet. I miss and love you so much. xxoo
Bryn is one now!!! She looks at your pictures often!! LOVE YOU
Jamie
Jamie Roth-Jarka
May 25, 2014
Well Don, it has been a year since you have been gone.. I went to the marina today with Bryn... It is so sad without you... No one around, no boats in the water, no junk around the yard....however just happy that Bryn was able to be there. The sunset was absolutely gorgeous, as usual. I miss you and think of you every single day. Hoping you are watching over my baby girl. Love you Donski....so happy I was able to go to the marina today ...xxoo
Ps-sometimes I wonder... When does it get easier? When will I miss you less? I suppose, never..
Donny Clause!
Chuck Roth
May 13, 2014
Don. I never knew that on this day last year it would be the last I would get to spend with you. I think about you everyday and am happy that you were a part of my life. Thank you for helping me become the person I am today. Love you always, Chuck and your favorite little guy Chico.
jamie jarka
April 22, 2014
We miss you so much, Don. I can not believe its been almost a year....I am going to take a ride, by boat, to the marina. I just need to say hello....Bryn is getting so big. I know you would have adored her.xxoo
Jamie
March 30, 2014
10 months have passed....I can still hear your laugh...xxooxxoo
Wish I could go sit on the dock at the marina and just talk to you....
jamie
February 16, 2014
I miss you Donski. Every. Single. Day.
Ken Furnes
February 16, 2014
It is with great regret that I read of Don's passing away. I met Don the first week of freshman year at Manhattan College and we were close friends throughout our college years. Don was always in good cheer and ready to help others to be the same. Don was extremely gregarious and his many stories and ability to develop “instant business plans” still stick with me. He invited several of us to visit LBI during our college years and it was clear even back then how much he loved the island life! It is sad to think that now 3 of the 5 roommates from our Overlook apartment are now gone. My sincerest condolences to the Tracy family.
jim Flood
February 3, 2014
I went to Manhattan with Don...he was my roommate for three years. He was one of the most lighthearted guys I ever met. He was good dude. I really had some great times with him....I won't elaborate!. I got a publication from Manhattan today and saw the notice of Don's passing. I am very sad to see this. God rest his soul...he was a hell of a friend.
January 20, 2014
Well I am thinking of you again Donski....I miss you like crazy. I know you hear me talking about you to Bryn....gosh you would have adored her!!! Everything about her is perfect and I know you can see that. I have a hard time driving past the marina- nothing here is the same. I wonder if I'll ever stop truly missing you.....I really hope you are looking down on us....xxxxxxxxxoooooooooooo love you always- Jamie
Albert D'Alessio
December 12, 2013
I just learned of Don's passing. I am deeply sorry. He was a great guy, a unique character and always interesting to talk to. LBI has lost a real local treasure.
Peter VanDyke
December 4, 2013
Dear Tracy Family,
I'm certain none of you will remember me though I visited your home in Nanuet with Don several times, as well as the house in Long Beach Island.
Don and I roomed together, Jasper Hall, Manhattan College. I attended the College from Autumn 1974 into early 1976. I visited him there a few times after I left, then life took us through different turns and down divergent paths. Nonetheless, I've remembered with great fondness the joyful times we shared at that point in our lives--most often courtesy of Don's generous and exuberant nature.
I've often wondered about Don, where he'd wondered off to. Apparently not too far from where his heart lay, the Island and the shore. I'm saddened, however, that when I finally made time to look him up, I find, instead, that he'd passed away a few months ago. I am so sorry, and I offer my deepest condolences.
Sharon Osborn Bryant-Perry
July 1, 2013
Emily and Judy-
Do you remember me? Sharon Osborn from Judith Street. I think of your family often and today decided to look Don up. I was deeply saddened to read of his passing. I am so sorry for your loss. Don was so young. If you get a chance give me a call; I'm still living in Florida. 561-762-4326. I truly am so sorry for your families loss.
Nick Spano
June 28, 2013
Don was a character. Always had you laughing with his jokes , or giving you great advice when needed.A guy when you first met, you wouldn't forget. It was a pleasure working with him years back. He always busted his hump and got the job done no matter what it took. I always busted his chops about getting those old cars running when we worked side by side. He loved boats, but his eyes always lit up when he saw his old pontiacs. Miss ya bigwani! Im sure your up there crusin ' that old firechicken!
Coast Guard Mike
June 10, 2013
To a good friend. Always enjoyed going to work for Don. The storytelling and the antics, never a dull moment. I knew him a short time but the memories will last a lifetime. I can see him right now cruising in an old Firebird. You will be missed Bigwani, rest in peace.
June 6, 2013
Our family was devastated to hear of Don's passing. LBI has lost a treasure. We will sorely miss our great friend and his quick Irish wit. Our prayers go out to Don's family and Marie and her children. Chris & Vicki
Beth Champeau
June 4, 2013
To the Tracy Family: The girls and I are so sorry for your loss. It was a shock to learn of Don's passing, and we hope your grief eases soon.
The Champeau Family,
Beth, Tabitha, Brielle and Valerie
Robert Bloom
June 4, 2013
The world lost one of the good guys when Don passed. I will always remember no matter how busy he was, he would always take the time to help me out. Whether we were discussing stocks, computers or boats, it was always an interesting conversation, usually accompanied by one of Don's jokes. Rest In Peace my dear friend, you will be missed.
American Heart Association
June 3, 2013
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
ELMER PENCE C.P.A.
June 3, 2013
REST IN PEACE MY OLD AND VALUED FRIEND REST IN ETERNAL PEACE. THANKS FOR ALL THE HELP ALL THESE YEARS WITH MY BOATS, AND, HELPING US THROUGH HURRICAN SANDY AND ITS AFTERMATH. WE WILL MISS YOU !!
ELMER AND MARY PENCE AND FAMILY
BEACH HAVEN NJ
June 3, 2013
Someone so dearly loved will be missed. May the family experience God's comfort during this difficult time.
Psalm 147:3.
Pirate Don 2012
Scott & Jean Lightcap
June 2, 2013
We met Don the summer of 1984. Our boat, Cheers, would not start. We drifted into Bay Haven Marina. Don came out, hooked up the battery charger, and a few minutes later, we were running. “What do I owe you?” asked Scott. Don said, “Just come here for gas”. We did, and a 29 year friendship began. Many good times included the Halloween party at the Tide. Don made his dragonhead from shrink wrap, which also squirted water. He enjoyed secretly walking around the bar watching people look to see how they got wet. A dinner at the Old Town Tavern was odd because Don had told his date we were swingers. She made excuses not to come by the house for drinks afterwards. Not until the next day did we know why. Lynn, now his regular woman, came with Don for Christmas Eve dinner for a few years. Our kids enjoyed the jokes and the stories about his last minute hunt for unique gifts for his nieces and nephews. One cold winter day we met Bruce and Kathy Tracy at the marina. We asked, “Can your lab mate with our lab?” Together, we spent that afternoon drinking beer and laughing as Surf and Blooper figured out which end did what and how to detach as they walked around end to end. Another summer we were towed into the marina by, of all people, Hank Weed, when Cheers sheered a blade off the prop. We had a spare prop, but no tools. Don had LOTS of tools. Too often our props were brought for reconditioning at the summer's end, but there was nothing left to work with. This gave Don a chuckle, as Cheers had quite the clam-digging reputation! He also thought it was comical to watch us maneuver in and out of the marina, poles in hand, pushing off the pilings. Some of the best days were spent with Don, on the bench overlooking the bay, feeding hoagies to Clara Bell and Kelly dog, just hanging out at the marina, drinking a beer or two and listening to Don's stories. It was very special to Scott when Don took the time to come to his 50th birthday party on a Saturday in May. He actually left the marina before sundown to be there! We know how much he had to do…ALWAYS! His speedboat, the Procrastinator, said it all! As crazy as it got, he loved that marina life. We loved him. We appreciated him. Our lives were enriched by one-of-a-kind, generous, big hearted Don.
Your friends, Jean, Scott, Erica and Adam (Surf, Jessie and Michelob too)
Al and Patti Swingle
June 2, 2013
We are so very sad at the loss of our friend Don. What joy he brought to the world of boating. Loved his stories about his beloved dog. We will miss "Bayhaven Don" and have his family in our thoughts and prayers.
We'll miss you Donski.....xoxoxo
jamie Roth-Jarka
June 1, 2013
I've had the absolute pleasure of being part of Don's life for the past 13 years. Many people know that Don was like a stepfather to my three brothers and me. Every Christmas, birthday, BBQ, or even an ordinary evening of simply hanging out at Mom's house, Don and Tinker were always there and a huge part of our family.
Words cannot describe how much I will sincerely miss him…not just his humorous side, because those who knew Don would without a doubt know that he was a terrific listener. Whether I was overwhelmed with college, an old boyfriend, or fight with a sibling, Don was always there to listen. I consider myself extremely privileged to have had Don as such a significant part of my life. Looking back I know he played a large part in shaping who I am today (thanks, Don). I am surely going to miss all of the stories, the Christmas mornings, the concerts, the long chats, and the smell of gasoline and motor oil as he walked through the door. That was Don, and we loved him that way. But most of all I will miss simply hanging at the marina or being able to call and say “Hi.”
Don constantly surrounded himself with great friends; which if you think about it makes perfect sense because the people you surround yourself with are a direct reflection of you. But to call them just friends is an understatement. He treated all as if they were family, dropping everything for anyone that needed him. We started to list each and every one of you that were directly affected by Don's friendship, but quickly ran out of room. You know who you are and just like us, I'm sure you all have wonderful and unusual memories of your time with him.
My mother Marie, whom he always referred to as “Re, ” and my brothers Chuck, Tim, and Anthony were blessed to be such a big part of Don's life. Here's to you Donski…. I know you are watching down from above, until we meet again, we love you….xoxoxoxo
Dennis Huber
June 1, 2013
Don Tracy was a great man. I knew Don and I would be good friends the first time I met Him. Don was very influential to Me and helped make Me the person I am today. I have very fond memories of working with Don and the cast of characters at Bay Haven Marina and will cherish them forever. God will never need another mechanic in Heaven ever again, He's now got the best one there ever was.
Patrick Harrington
June 1, 2013
It will be so very difficult when I come back to LBI this summer.The loss of Don will be hard to deal with. A very bright light in my life has gone dim.Donald was the first friend I made when we moved to LBI in the 1960's.He and I debated who would like to buy Zernicky's old marina. Don decided it would be him so I spent the next year helping to get everything started.Don was a talented mechanic. There were very few challenges he could not overcome. He was quick with a joke,likeable to everyone who met him and was never to busy to help you out.Donald was like a 5th son to me. He was and will be forever ..... My friend. RIP Bigwani.
Jack Grever
May 31, 2013
Thank you Lord for taking care of Don as he passes from this world to you in Heaven.
We all miss you Don, for your talents, business integrity, humor and compassion for everyone.
Thank you for making an indelible mark on my life. With great fondness and a warm smile, I say, “see you later Don”.
Jack
Tracy
May 31, 2013
There are just way to many things that I will miss about Don to list here. As this summer rolls on many of us will notice there is a huge void in our lives. Don will be missed by so many for his intelligence,sense of humor, and most of all his need to please everyone he came into contact with. R.I.P Bigwani
fjohn reinke (mc1968)
May 31, 2013
The Manhattan College alumni community shares the grief, and is now praying for our fellow alumni and the family at this time. The Alumni Office has been informed. As well as the Jasper Jottings community that I personally can reach. We are all a little poorer now. "No man is an island, entire of itself ... any man's death diminishes me". We are sorry for your loss.
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