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Edward Tracey Obituary
Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday (March 5) at the DeVaney-Bennett Funeral Home, 181 N. Main St. Members of Geneva Council # 272 Knights of Columbus will meet at the funeral home at 7:30 p.m. on Friday for a prayer service for their departed member. Funeral Services will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday (March 6) in the funeral home and at 10:30 a.m. in St. Stephen's Church. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions, in his memory, may be made to his beloved, DeSales High School.
Ed was born in New York City and resided there for several years before coming to upstate New York, first to Rochester and later to Geneva. He was the son of the late Edward and Catherine Coyle Tracey.
He was a graduate of Iona College, Fordham University and Seton Hall University. Ed had a deep love for teaching and educating young people. He was a Christian Brother for over twenty-five years, being the last founding member of Bergen Catholic High School in Bergen County, N.J. He was Principal of Bishop Kearney High School in Rochester and came to Geneva in 1975 to become Principal of DeSales High School where he served in the position for twenty-four years. While at DeSales, you could see Ed teaching, sweeping the halls and gym floor, turning on the boiler, or shoveling snow and anything else that could save money for the school. After retiring he taught at DeSales until last fall, when he retired. He was a member of Bergen Catholic Hall of Fame and DeSales High School Hall of Fame. He was a member of Our Lady of Peace Parish and he was a member of Geneva Council # 272 Knights of Columbus.
He is survived by his wife, Beryl; his daughter, Colleen (Justin) Morelli of Rochester; his sons, Edward A. Tracey of Rochester and Joseph Tracey of Geneva; Five grandchildren, Anthony, David, Matthew, Braeden and Ronan; brothers, Patrick (Kathleen) Delamere of Mahopac and Frank (Kathleen) Delamere of Charlotte, N.C.; sister, Geraldine (Jerry) Rogers of Fairlawn, N.J.; brothers-in-law, Blaine (Ellen) Schaubroeck, Bruce (Cindy) Schaubroeck and Armand (Linda) Schaubroeck, all of Rochester; and several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his brothers, Patrick Tracey and Gene Delamere; and sister and brother-in-law, Mary Catherine and Claude Eason.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Edward Tracey
June 25, 2011
Late Happy Father's Day and late Happy Birthday, Ed! Thinking of you and missing you.
March 17, 2011
Happy Saint Patricks Day, Ed!
the Armand Schaubroeck Family
March 3, 2011
One year ago today we lost a great man, brother in-law, uncle, and friend. We know you are watching over everyone in heaven.
Love and miss you.
Jim Wenthe
March 11, 2010
I just heard of "Brother" Tracey's passing from my cousin who was at Bishop Kearney when he was the principal there. He touched my life during my 4 years at Bergen Catholic (60'-64')as he did countless others. I ran track at Bergen for those 4 years and he was a mentor, supporter and teacher who will always be remembered. In fact, it has been over 46 years since I left Bergen and came south but I never forgot him although I've forgotten a lot of my other teachers at Bergen. He was one of a kind and will be missed by many family and friends.
Anne Bonsignore
March 11, 2010
Dear Beryl,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. It was so good to be able to call Ed, our friend.I am also sorry we could not be with you but we are still in Fl. Our prayers are with you and your family.
As a freshman parent,my first recollection of him was in the lobby of B.K. when this 5'8" or so, had this 6' kid by the collar and tie, pulled him down to his size and said "don't you let me hear you say that again.' I didn't stick around to hear his answer. I, later learned that he was a golden glove champion as a kid. True or not, he sure kept the kids in line.
I would have loved to see his 'Irish buddies' greeting him as he walked into Heaven.
Love,
Anne and Mark Bonsignore
John Groh
March 11, 2010
My condolences to the Tracey family on the passing of their husband, father and grandpa.
I knew him as "Br. Tracey" when he was my first math teacher and frosh baseball coach at Bergen Catholic HS in '56-'57.
I see that he brought the same enthusiasm and energy I witnessed to so many others as well. I am happy to see there was such joy in his life for so many years.
We were blessed with him--as well as with co-founders Bros. McKenna and Clark--at BC. May he rest with Jesus.
John R. Groh
BC '60
Tom Snyder
March 9, 2010
The first time I had a talk with then Brother Tracey, (1967) he told me a story about how he suspended Lew Alcindor for a Basketball game - the only game Power Memorial lost in 4 years. I took the message to heart. Over my 4 years at Bishop Kearney, we had our share of conversations, many colorful - few were light hearted. He even complimented me on a punch I threw ... which came as quite a surprise. But behind the tough-guy front so many of us knew, he had our best interests in mind I'm sure. As kids then, we just didn't quite understand that.
He had the rare opportunity of a dual life ... one as a servant of God in the brotherhood and his second, as a family man. Other than a short talk at our 25th reunion, I never saw him again, but would have loved to have interviewed him. An interesting and intense guy ... you really touched many of us.
Dave Faherty
March 8, 2010
Beryl,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I had the good fortune to know Br. Tracey as a student at Bergen Catholic HS 1959-63. He was my senior math teacher, the athletic director, and an assistant track coach and he was a tremendous motivator for me and so many of my classmates. He was one of the founders of our school in 1955, and definitely its heart. There was nothing he wouldn't do for our school. I almost got to see him a couple of years ago when I was up near Rochester for a wedding, but our plans fell through at the last minute. I am so sorry, I never got to see him so I could have told him what a great influence he had on my life. After reading all these entries, I realize he never lost his zest for life. He was a special human being.
William Pinkerton
March 8, 2010
Mrs., Tracey, My condolences to you and your family. Mr. Tracey was an outstanding example and one to emulate. He had an enormous impact on me and my career. My prayers are with you and you’re Family.
William J. Pinkerton 1st Sgt USMC
3rd Battalion 3rd Marines
Bill Kane
March 8, 2010
DeSales Saint......Ed Tracey! Your work is done and your memory will live on. My heartfelt thanks for all you have done! You will be missed!
March 7, 2010
I had the honor and pleasure of knowing Brother Tracey at Bishop Kearney HS from 1964-1967. He was one of my freshman football coaches. A man's man. He led by example. It was he that taught me to pick myself up and keep on trying no matter how bad things are. I'll never forget how flattered I was when he asked me to consider becoming an Irish Christian Brother. Over the years I have thought about him often. He will be dearly missed. May God bless and comfort all of his family during this most difficult time. You and Ed are in our prayers.
Tony and Joyce Joy
Jennifer Rybak
March 6, 2010
Ever since I was a little girl, I can remember Ed's laugh and the twinkle in his eye. He had a zest for life that was absolutely contagious. He and Beryl inspired me to become a teacher myself, and encouraged me every step of the way. Ed would always beam with pride and say, "Good, good, good!" when I would tell him my teaching stories about Aquinas! But Beryl and Ed have been more than just role models as teachers. They shared a love that was so beautiful, so pure, that all who knew them could not help but feel the happy glow surrounding them and their entire family. Although it is difficult to let you go, Ed, your loving spirit lives on in all of our hearts. May you rest in peace.
Love always and forever,
Jennifer
Tom Ninestine
March 6, 2010
Without Mr. Tracey, there would not have been a DeSales High School in the late 70's. I would see him often after I graduated, but could not bear to call him anything but "Mr. Tracey." -- Tom Ninestine, Class of '79, Pensacola, Fla.
Brian, Sarah, and Mason Hendricks
March 6, 2010
People always talk about our soul being inside our body. I once heard someone express the opinion that we really walk around with our souls surrounding us and as we come in contact with others, our souls connect.
Mr. Tracey's soul was large enough to surround the entire community and his spirit lives on in each student that attends DeSales, a school he kept alive with his energy
March 6, 2010
Dear Beryl,
May you and your family find comfort in knowing how much Ed was loved by so many. I will always be grateful for the 5 years we worked together at DeSales. He taught me so much every day by his commitment to the students and to the Church. Sr. Pat Flass, Vredenburgh, AL
Stephen Cannuli
March 6, 2010
Dear Tracey family,
All of us who attended DeSales are better people for having been guided by Ed Tracey. As someone said recently, his was DeSales and that school would not be there today if not for his loyalty, devotion and love. You are all in our prayers.
Steve Cannuli
Class of 1990
Lisa Miles
March 6, 2010
Beryl and family, We're so sorry about the passing of Ed. He was a wonderful, caring man and will be missed. You are all in our prayers. Love, Lisa, Mike and Joey.
TOM LIBERIO
March 6, 2010
When Mr. Tracy came to DeSales in 1975 to be our principal, he came in with slicked back hair and a "new sheriff in town" swagger. Looking back on it..we needed that. We had to start wearing ties; obedience and respect were re-instituted, and as a senior that year we could feel the tenor of our school shift for the better. He talked frankly to us about being "hungry" in our life's pursuits and how we had advantages which we didn't even realize..relating to us about the challenges he knew from the "Hell's Kitchen" neighborhood of NYC. Through the sheer power of his personality and example, he re-birthed DeSales to a balance of Structure, Excellence, and Compassion based in Christian principles. He was classic and God blessed us by bringing him to our school.
Aunt Pat &Uncle John Riepe
March 6, 2010
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
March 5, 2010
Mrs. Tracey,
May God Give you all of the strength in the world. No one, no matter how brief their time with Mr. Tracey was, will ever forget him or the great things he did for DeSales. He truly was one of a kind and there will never be anyone like him in the world.
Liz, Steph and Aaron Marvin and the rest of the Marvin clan
Patricia Welch Prosser
March 5, 2010
Prior to Ed Tracey's years at DeSales HS in Geneva, the alumni of Bishop Kearney HS had the good fortune of knowing his leadership, his friendship and his often spoken words "Do all things well".
Rest in peace. My sympathy to the
family.
Michael Moffatt
March 5, 2010
Mrs. Tracey and family,
I am very sorry for your loss. I was fortunate to have Brother Tracey as a teacher at BKHS. He was a strong role model for all students. His deep religious faith was visable in all his actions. His devotion to BKHS and its students influenced my choice to enter the Christian Brother order.
He remains in my prayers.
Mike Moffatt
BKHS '66
Edmundians '69
John Cataline ('87)
March 5, 2010
Beryl and family,
You are in my prayers. I will never forget the impact that Ed had on my life, I will not forget him nor will the DeSales community.
Julie Lowe
March 5, 2010
Two simple words, "Peace & Love" had always adorned the greeting cards over the years. Beryl, it was you and Ed, and the rest of your family, that demonstrated what that really was. Much like my Grandfather Gil who bestowed such values and morals in all those he met, no one will ever forget what a wonderful man he was. I'll be seeing you tonight. All our peace and love goes to our dear cousins at their time of need.
John (Class of 1979) & Robin Babb
March 5, 2010
Mrs. Tracey and Family,
Our deepest sympathy to you.
Mr. Tracey came to DeSales when I started my Freshman year. My class was new to the school as well as he. After 4 great years, we moved on and he stayed on to continue the fine work he had started. When he came to DHS, the future was uncertain. As we see now his work put DHS on a new course to meet future needs of students and prepare them for what was waiting for them. DeSales under his care taught not just academics, but life lessons, which made the road ahead easier to travel.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Paul Bradley
March 5, 2010
Mrs. Tracey and family,
Mr. Tracey was one of a kind. One can only aspire to attain the devotion and love he exhibited to his family, school and community. He was a mentor and role model to all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Mrs. Tracey. My condolescences.
Paul Bradley
Class of '84
March 5, 2010
Ed was a great man who always led by example. In the 8 years I taught at DeSales, he was the first to arrive and the last to leave. All of us who taught there worked with Ed and for God. It was a unique and special environment due to the man who set the standard for all of us. God Bless you always Ed, DeSales Saints forever!!!
John Englert
March 5, 2010
Dear Beryl and Family,
You are in my prayers,What a wonderful
person Mr Tracy was,I will not forget him.God bless all of you. Peace be with you Mrs. Jeanette Kelly
robert landschoot
March 5, 2010
Condolences to his family, my only regret is distance precludes my attending his funeral.
What kind of man was he, and what will be his legacy. It will be people whom passed his way, and he will not be forgotten. But, his biggest legacy will be graduates and students of DeSales. For when one influences a child, he influnences the world.
Susan Makowski
March 5, 2010
I was a student at Bishop Kearney (69-73) and always remember how supportive and kind Mr. Tracey was to me. My prayers and condolences to the family.
March 5, 2010
Mrs. Tracey,
May God bless you and your family in your time of need. Mr. Tracey was a wonderful man and he will be missed greatly. He had a powerful impact on everyone he met and I feel lucky and honored to have known him and to have been taught by him. He changed everyones life in one way or another and I will never forget him.
Donna (Dwello) Bresnock (Class of 1983)
Sister Angie Shaughnessy
March 5, 2010
Dear Beryl, Eddie, Colleen, Joey, Anthony, David, Matthew, Braeden and Ronan,
Please know of my sympathy and prayers for you at this difficult time. Ed certainly gave DeSales a future and Beryl, you are truly the heart of DeSales. I wish you peace, Sister Angie Shaughnessy
March 4, 2010
Mrs. Tracey, You have both touched so many. I will never forget Mr. Tracey and the influence he had on my life. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Beth Anne LeRoux Jalbert (Class of 1991)
Karl Uhl Class of 85
March 4, 2010
Mrs. Tracey and family , My thoughts and prayers are with you all. It is a sad time for all of the Desales family and the whole Catholic community. I am so thankful and happy to have known him ,to have been taught by him and yes being sent to his office. MR Tracey thank you for everything you were Desales and you made it what it is today and your legacy will live forever.
March 4, 2010
Mrs. Tracey,
I am saddened to hear of your loss. I learned many life lessons from the examples of Principal Ed Tracey, that have carried me through the years. In true Mr Tracey fashion, always caring and supportive even after the last of our family had graduated from DeSales, Mr. Tracey was there to comfort and support my family after the untimely passing of my father in 1985. I consider myself lucky to have had the privilege of being one his DHS kids. You and your family are in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Diane Guererri Carpenter
DHS Class of 1979
Lynne Kirst
March 4, 2010
Dear Beryl and family,
Ed was one of the first colleagues I met when I came to Rochester to work in Catholic schools. Throughout the years he remained a quiet inspiration, a gentleman and a great story teller. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. He led a life to be admired. But for you, I am certain that his life was too short.
He will always be remembered.
Blessings and sympathy,
Lynne Kirst
Sharon Tucker
March 4, 2010
Mr. Tracey was a very special person in my life. He was a guidepost to this member of the "Pioneer Class". My prayers join those of the many he touched in his unique way. Peace.
March 4, 2010
Mrs. Tracey and family:
I was saddened to hear of the loss of Mr. Tracey. You all are in my prayers.
Catherine Cotroneo
Class of 1987
Andrew Pacitto
March 4, 2010
Beryl,
I am so sorry for your loss. Ed was not only a mentor, but a second father figure to many a young man he met. His legacy will live on for years to come. We were all lucky to have met Ed and been exposed to his love for DeSales as well as his devotion to you and his family. He will be missed.
Sincerely,
Andy Pacitto
Class of '83
Donna Amatulli Favia
March 4, 2010
Mrs. Tracey:
I have many great memories of Mr. Tracey and of DeSales High School. His influence and love for children and furthering our education has remained with me until this day. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Heidi Mook
March 4, 2010
To Beryl and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you - Ed was a great friend to DeSales, Geneva and all who knew him.
Heidi
Carol Deal Goodall (Class Of 82)
March 4, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Tom Walsh
March 4, 2010
I was a student under Ed Tracey at Bishop Kearney High School in 1967-1971. I wanted to see him, but never made it over to Geneva. I'm so sorry for your loss, Beryl. My prayers to you, and my prayers to your beloved husband. I am so very sorry I never saw him after I graduated from BKHS.
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