Robert Roy Tracy
Tuesday, June 2, 1942
Date of Death:
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Age:
72 years old
Tuesday, June 2, 1942
Date of Death:
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Age:
72 years old
Tuesday, June 2, 1942
Date of Death:
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Age:
72 years old
Robert Roy Tracy
Robert Roy Tracy of Rochester, age 72, passed away at his home on November 2, 2014.
Bob was born on June 2, 1942 in Waterloo, IA to Horace and Jeannette Tracy. He attended Waterloo Public Schools, graduating from West High School in 1960. He then attended the University of Northern Iowa, where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics in 1964. His first teaching job was in Cedar Rapids, but he soon returned to Waterloo, where he taught at West High until 1969. He met his wife Karen while they were both teaching in Waterloo. They were married on December 27,1969. In June of 1969 he was hired as a programmer by IBM Rochester. During the 1970’s he was involved in the development of IBM’s air traffic control system for the FAA and taught classes on it both in the US and in England. Bob was also instrumental in the development of the IBM System/38 and contributed to the merger of System 38 and System 36 into the IBM AS/400. After his retirement in 1999, he returned to IBM as a consultant, working with database workloads until 2008. Bob had a lifelong passion for music and played the viola in various professional orchestras for nearly his entire adult life. He played in the Rochester Symphony until 2008, at which time he began singing in the Chorale. He also sang in church choirs, and loved being a part of musical gatherings. Bob was a generous, warmhearted person with a vast enthusiasm for life and a great sense of adventure and optimism. He was a devoted husband and father, and he will be greatly missed by his family and his many friends.
Bob is survived by his wife Karen (Street) of Rochester, his four children, Diane (Eric) Swearingen of Inver Grove Heights, MN, Dan Tracy of Rochester, Deborah (Ryan) Scott of Eagan, MN, Carol (Tony) Eichenlaub of Rochester, six grandchildren: Jennifer and James Swearingen, Connor and Caidan Scott, Isaac and Gabe Eichenlaub, a sister and brother-in-law: Marguerite and Jacque Deweese of Portage, WI, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
A Memorial Service for Bob will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2014 at 11:00AM at Rochester Covenant Church with Pastor Herb Frost officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.
Memorials are preferred to the Rochester Orchestra and Chorale or to Rochester Covenant Church.
Macken Funeral Home is handling the arrangements and online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com
Condolences
The family of Robert Roy Tracy has received the following condolences.
The Rochester Symphony Orchestra and Chorale have been a part of my life since 1980. Even though I now live in the east and it always saddens me when I hear that a dear fellow musician has passed. I remember Bob's warm smile and generous nature and his great great love for the orchestra and for music! My condolences to Karen and his beautiful family.
Prayers and Blessings
Carolyn Liarakos
Dear Karen and family,
I was so sad to hear of the death of Bob. He was such a joy to be around as he always seemed to see the humor in various situations and knew how to really enjoy life.
I pray that when your are grieving you will sense God's love and peace. As the memories flow may you be able to
write and share those thought with others.
I thank God for having known such a special man.
Love, Joy and Peace,
Marcia
Dear Tracy Family,
Bob was truly a kind hearted gentleman whom I had the honor of working (and, for a while, sharing an office) with at IBM. I recall the love he had for his family, and his enjoyment of music. May the twinkle in his eyes remain in your memory of him always.
Barry Knapp
Dear Tracy family,
We have so many fond memories of our times with Bob and Karen. Bob was a true friend who we always looked forward to seeing when we returned to Rochester. He was always gracious and kind in our many conversations. We shared his love for music, and he was consistently encouraging when we talked about the church choir or the instrumental ensembles we gathered for accompaniment. We treasured his friendship, and know he will be missed. Peace to his memory.
Love, Ken and Bonnie Fenton
Dear Carol,
Losing your father is one of the toughest things for a daughter to experience. But remember the good times, and know that he is safely tucked in to heavern! Remembering you and your family in my thoughts and prayers, Sister.
L.I.P.E.O.
Deb
I am so sorry to hear about Bob's passing. He was a great uncle, and will be missed tremendously. Our prayers are with you.
Hello Carol and Family,
So Sorry about your sudden lose. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you at this difficult time of separation from your loved one.
Carol and family, I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Carol and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your father sounds like an amazing man. He will certainly be missed.
My prayers go out to you in this time of grief.
God Bless and console you, Judy Daniels