Charles J. “Chubby” Tracy, 85, a lifelong Franklin resident and local sports legend, died Wednesday, April 14, 2010 at Caritas Norwood Hospital. He was the Husband of Elsie L. (Hanscom) Tracy for 49 years.
Born in Franklin, January 8, 1925, the youngest child of Ralph and Eva (Cody) Tracy, he was raised and educated in Franklin, and was a graduate of Franklin High School, class of 1942. An outstanding athlete at Franklin High, he went on to play semi-pro baseball for the 1946 New England Champion team: Benny’s Oilers.
For more than 30 years Mr. Tracy worked as a letter carrier in Franklin for the US Postal Service. He retired in 1987.
He served in the US Army during WW II. He attained the rank of Tech/4 and was awarded the WW II Victory Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon, the American Theater Campaign Ribbon, the Army Occupation Medal (Germany), and the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged in May, 1946.
He loved sports, and was a beloved baseball coach and volunteer for many years. He was a basketball referee and an umpire for baseball and softball events at all levels. He was a die-hard Red Sox fan, and enjoyed golf and spending free time with his family. He was a life member of the Franklin Lodge of Elks.
Surviving in addition to his wife are 2 sons: Edward C. Tracy and his wife Debra of Cumberland, Daniel J. Tracy and his wife Michelle of Franklin; 3 daughters: Cynthia Buck and Pamela Tracy of Woonsocket and Sandra Grinham of Franklin; 15 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He was the father of the late Karen Tracy-Clifford, the brother of the late William, Ralph and Rosemary Tracy, Norma Carty and Helen Smith. He was the grandfather of the late Stephanie Buck.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral with military honors Monday, April 19, at 10:00 AM in the Charles F. Oteri & Son Franklin Funeral Home, 33 Cottage Street, www.franklinfuneral.com. Interment will follow in the family lot in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Calling hours are Sunday, April 18, from 2 - 6 PM. The Franklin Lodge of Elks will perform a Lodge of Sorrows Service at the funeral home on Sunday at 6:00 PM