Walter B. “Neep” Tracy, 86, formerly of Norwich, died on Wednesday, October 15, 2014, following a lengthy illness.
He was born on March 3, 1928, in Norwich, the son of Harold and Olive Babcock Tracy.
Neep lived in Norwich for many years, graduating from Norwich High School in 1948, where he was very active in sports. He later played Semi-Pro football in Norwich. Neep had also lived in Camp Hill, PA, and in Canastota from 1970 – 1992, when he moved back to Norwich. He has lived in Syracuse for the last six years.
He was a US Navy Veteran, serving overseas during the Korean War.
Neep worked as a Salesman for Queensboro Farm Products in Canastota for many years, and had previously worked for Champion Motor Homes in Canastota. In his early years he worked for his father in the family business, Tracy’s Holsum Bakery in Norwich.
He enjoyed hunting and golfing, and also enjoyed collecting model cars and Hess trucks.
Neep was a Lifetime member of the Norwich Elk’s Club and the Norwich American Legion
He married Carole N. Cass on June 16, 1956, in Norwich, NY. Carole died on February 24, 1991.
Surviving are: a son, W. Mark Tracy and his fiancée, Heather Graham, of Jupiter, FL; two daughters and sons-in-law, Kimberly and John Sauta, and Robyn and Kevin Donnelly, all of Bridgeport; Carole’s siblings, Robyn and Bruce Ratliff of Radison, and George Cass of Chapel Hill, NC; three grandchildren, John Cass Sauta, Jordan Donnelly, and Lucas Tracy; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, October 21, 2014, at the J. Homer Ball Funeral Home, Inc., 201 James Street, Canastota. The Rev. William M. Wilcox, Pastor of the Fyler Community Church, will officiate. There will be no calling hours. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Norwich. In his memory, contributions may be made to Wanderers’ Rest Humane Association, Inc., PO Box 535, Canastota, NY 13032, with envelopes available at the funeral home.