Obituaries
Joseph J. “Joe” Tracy, 90
July 14, 2025
Joseph J. “Joe” Tracy, 90, of Lancaster, passed away on Monday, July 14, 2025, at The Glen at Willow Valley Communities.
Born in Johnstown, PA, he was the son of the late Wojcik “George” and Anna (Gill) Tracz. He was the loving husband of Joan L. (Zahurak) Tracy.
Joe grew up in Johnstown, PA and played basketball in high school and college. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He served two years in the U.S. Army before dedicating his career to education. He worked as a middle school English teacher for 37 years with the Greater Johnstown School District before his retirement. Outside the classroom, Joe often refereed for Johnstown area high school basketball games. A man of deep faith, Joe was a devoted Catholic. He enjoyed woodworking and spent countless hours crafting beautiful furniture and other wood crafts. He was an avid movie lover, with a special fondness for Westerns. Above all, Joe cherished his family. He found his greatest joy in the time he spent with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter, all of whom brought so much happiness to his life. He would often say “Co będzie, to będzie” – “Whatever will be, will be” reminding us to take life as it comes.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Joan Tracy; his children, Janet (Paul) Gerome and Jim (Teresa) Tracy; his grandchildren, Diane (Anthony Maslowski) Tracy, Theo Gerome, Lauren (Jake) Turner, and Alex Gerome; and his great-granddaughter, Caroline Turner.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Sophie Mulvehill.
Services are being held privately at the convenience of the family.
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Condolences to the Family
July 24, 2025
JoAnne,our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
We loved Joe and you as well.
Hugs,Bob&Barb Endler
July 19, 2025
Joanne, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. May peace that comes with memories comfort you now and always! -cousin, Linda F. Bracken
July 18, 2025
Sorry for the loss of your husband and father. Cousin Joe and Nancy Ozog
July 18, 2025
Joan, Janet, Jim and family….I am so sorry for your loss. Joe touched many lives throughout his teaching years and I remember him well from my Garfield Years. I will never forget how he would go out of his way to lend a hand to my dad in his later years. I hope that all of your precious memories bring you comfort and a smile as your remember him. He will be missed. Chrissy Kohan
July 17, 2025
Joan, Ed and I were very sorry to hear of Cousin Joe’s passing. What a long and wonderful life he had! Hoping you find peace and comfort in your many cherished memories. Love Ed and Evelyn (Biss ) Schreier
July 17, 2025
My dear Cuzzy Joanne, offering our deepest sympathy to you & your family with Joes passing. We cherish all the good times we had at the Cambria City festivals where all us cousins got together. Your cuzzy, Weezie. Louise & Roland Hockey
July 17, 2025
Joan, we were saddened to hear about Joe’s passing. I always remember your Sunday afternoon visits to my parents home, fond memories. Janet and Jimmy were little kids and now they’re grown and you’re a great grandmlother! Time flies by too quickly. I still remember Joe telling me that there “were a lot of fish in the ocean, but only a few whales. Andy was a whale and I should hold onto him.” I guess he was right. CATHY SMOLNIK
July 17, 2025
Offering our condolences to the family. Rest in Pease cousin Joe. Edward Ponczek
July 16, 2025
To my Aunt JoAnn and family, I am so sorry for your loss. To a person who changed my life, I am so grateful for my Uncle Joe. I will never forget the one day he came over to my house. In grade school, I would struggle to get a D in English. In one afternoon, He explained the basics of grammar, such as, how to find a verb, an object of a preposition etc. The way he explained it opened my eyes to a whole new world of understanding grammar. I instantly went from D’s to B’s in English. God bless you Uncle Joe. You will be missed. Jamie Mulvehill
July 16, 2025
Joan, so sorry to hear of Joe’s passing,I always considered him one of the best teachers and and you and he as special friends. Time passes so quickly,not so long ago he and I were teachers at Garfield.You and Joe were blessed with many years together and raised two wonderful childern.AS a teacher he touched and guided many lives. I will keep you both in my thoughts and prayers.
Don Zucco
July 16, 2025
Joe was a great teacher and even a greater gentleman. He will be remmbered fondly by his fellow teachers , and friends. Always willing to offer wise advice and friendship to all he associated with. We will cherish our friendship with Joe.
Bill and Barb Rushin
