Paul James Tracy

Paul Tracy passed away peacefully at his home in Forest Greens, Perryman on Friday, February 27, 2015. He was born in 1936 in Pittston, PA, son of Vincent Tracy and Ruth Oliver Tracy. He graduated from Pittston High School, Wilkes College and attended Johns Hopkins and Penn State University. A resident of Harford County, MD since 1958, Paul was an educator in the Harford Public School system for 34 years. He began his career as social studies teacher at Havre de Grace High School. There he met and married his wife, Sandra Allen, of 54 years. He served as assistant principal of Bel Air High School and Aberdeen High School. Following those assignments, as a supervisor, he helped to open the new Fallston High School. Paul then served as Social Studies Supervisor in the county schools. As an educator working with students, teachers and administrators, he was known for his dependability, hard work, and his wit and humor. He was a sought-after speaker at many school functions. He retired in 1992 and was inducted into the Harford County Public Schools Educator Hall of Fame in 2001. At that time of his induction he stated "I can tell you, my happiest years were those six I spent in the classroom and, if I had it to do over and the choice had been mine, I would have spent more time as a teacher". His retirement included part-time supervision of Towson University practicing teachers for six years. He and his wife traveled, enjoyed beach vacations at their condominium in Ocean City, and kept in touch with former friends and colleagues through weekly breakfasts and lunches. Paul was a charter member of the Perryman-Forest Greens Association and served as treasurer until 2010. He was a life-long Democrat (who first registered in the other party so he could vote for Dwight Eisenhower) and throughout his life supported many organizations which he believed promoted democratic principles. In addition to his wife, he is survived by son Mark and his wife Tracy of Bel Air, son Christopher of Aberdeen, daughter Leah and husband Bob Wait of San Francisco, and son Tobin of Abingdon. He leaves 9 grandchildren…Megan and Kristin Tracy of Bel Air, Patrick, Laura, and Erin Tracy of Aberdeen, Dean, Reed, and Grayson Wait of San Francisco, and Sean Tracy of Abingdon. Also surviving are a sister-in-law, Patricia Tracy, and a niece and nephew, and many cousins in Pittston, Pennsylvania. He was predeceased by his mother and father, and brother, Malcolm Vincent Tracy. Paul James Tracy will be long- remembered lovingly and much missed by his family, friends and colleagues for his devotion, constancy, quick wit and good humor. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the Alzheimer's Disease Research, 22512 Gateway Center Drive, PO Box 1950, Clarksburg, MD 20871-1950 or to the HCRSPA (Retired Teachers) Scholarship Fund, PO Box 133, Churchville, MD 21028. Funeral Home: Tarring-Cargo Funeral Home 333 South Parke Street Aberdeen, MD US 21001