Thomas Tracht

MANSFIELD - Thomas William Tracht, aged 80, passed away at his home in Mansfield, Ohio on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.

Tom was born to Maebelle (Leapley) and Layton Tracht of Galion, Ohio. He is survived by his sister, Sally (Rich) Vedell of Marblehead, Ohio; niece and nephew, Sherri (Gary) Zicht of Dayton, Dave (Natalie Fravel) Switzer of Delaware; and several great and great-great nieces and nephews. Along with Tom's parents, his is preceded in death by his sister, Sandra (Switzer) Nichols.

Tom graduated from Galion High School, Class of 1962. Tom also worked at our father's full-service gas station where he became a car mechanic. Tom served in the U. S. Navy from 1962 to 1966, handling electronics, and it included an all-expense-paid trip to Vietnam. He called his ship a "U-Haul" as it carried Army Jeeps to the Philippines and Vietnam. He continued his education attending Columbus Tech and received his associate degree in programming and coding. If there was a degree in chasing women, he would have received that one also. He worked for various companies, Gorman Rupp, Rubbermaid, and Sterling Commerce in Columbus as a systems analyst. After retirement, Tom bartended for many years at Hills, where he considered the clientele his second family. Tom was a member of AMVETS in Mansfield.

My brother, Tom, always had my back like a guardian angel. I remember when I was in 1st grade, I was still on the school playground at 5:00 or so. It was after school let out. I was alone, on the jungle gym, no one else at the playground until four boys, possibly 3rd or 4th graders, showed up. I didn't know them, but they started taunting me verbally. I was scared and did not know what to do; run, smart off verbally, or hit like a girl. Then, out of nowhere, Tom was there. He said a few words and the boys scattered. Tom had my back.

Tom would drive 60 miles to dog sit our dogs for the day or for several days, if I asked. He had my back, plus he loved dogs.

I could tell numerous stories about how he had my back and other people could also. That was the kind of person he was. If you were a friend, he had your back.

Those who knew Tom knew he liked to tinker with things. One could use his cars and boats as a mirror; they were so detailed. The neighbors at his Marblehead cottage used to call him a dock master, with his boat ropes tied to perfection. He loved the water, cars, boats, and dogs. Tom still hoped to buy a fishing boat, so I hope there are boats in Heaven.

At Tom's request there will be no services. Interment will be at the Galion (Fairview) Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Richland County. Wappner Funeral Directors – Mansfield is honored to serve the Tracht family. Words of condolence may be expressed at www.wappner.com