John J. "Buddy" Tracy of Bridgewater and formerly of Braintree died peacefully at home on New Years Eve night while surrounded by his family. He was age 86. Born in Boston, John grew up in Roxbury and was a graduate of Boston Mechanical Arts. Upon graduation he enlisted in the USMC to serve his country in WWII. During his enlistment he served at Guadalcanal, Midway, China, and Bougainville. While on leave during 1945 he married his high school sweetheart Agnes P. (Burns) Tracy, they were married for over 57 years. The family moved to Braintree in 1956 where he and Agnes raised eight children. John worked for the New England Telephone Company as an engineer for over 30 years and retired in 1983. John was a graduate of Northeastern University class of 76'. John believed in the power of education which was a trait he instilled in his children. John truly enjoyed his retirement by spending time with his wife and family. He also enjoyed traveling and reading. John was the devoted husband of the late Agnes P. (Burns) Tracy. Loving and caring father of Maureen A. and her husband Francis P. Santoro of Raynham, Francis "Buddy" M. and his wife Marie A. Tracy of Southborough, John J. and his wife Tiara L. Tracy of Weymouth, Tricia T. and her husband Stewart A. Mills of Mendon, Donna T. and her husband Richard A. Neil of Raynham, Mark T. and his wife Anne M. Tracy of Burlington, Julianne T. and her husband Jonathan B. Lyons of Raynham, and Michelle T. and her husband Mark C. Daniels of Raynham. Proud and loving grandfather of 16 and great-grandfather of 6. Brother of the late Catherine E. Tancredi. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Mon. Jan. 5th at 9:00 am at St. Ann's Church, 660 North Main St., Raynham. Interment with Military Honors to be held at Pleasant St. Cemetery, Raynham. Visitation Sun. from 2-5 pm at the Prophett-Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 98 Bedford St. (RT18), Bridgewater, MA. Donations in John's memory may be sent the Old Colony Hospice Old Colony Hospice, One Credit Union Way, Randolph, MA 02368