Thomas Tracey

On Wednesday, August 26th, Thomas R. “Tom” Tracey, loving husband and father, peacefully passed away after over 91 years of life.

Tom was born on January 13, 1929 in Elizabeth, New Jersey, to Dennis and Mary Francis (Morley) Tracey.  He grew up in Linden, New Jersey.  After serving in the Navy, he received his degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1953. On January 18, 1958, he married Irene Dick in Wappingers Falls, New York.  Tom often said that he couldn’t believe how lucky he was to be married to such a fine woman.  He and Irene then moved to Denver, Colorado, as Tom began a 32-year career at Martin Marietta, now Lockheed Martin.  They raised two sons, Tom and Michael, and a daughter, Margaret (Maggie).

Tom’s passion was his work.  He led engineering teams to design Titan III rockets, thermal aspects of the Viking I and II Mars Landers (first ever landed in 1976), and Solar Thermal Power Plants.  He was also a devoted husband and father, encouraging his family to work hard, travel, and care for one another.  He led by example.  Grandpa Tracey imparted interests and values to his grandsons through engaging conversation, shared hobbies, and immeasurable love and support.  After retirement, he and Irene logged a lot of pleasurable miles visiting family and experiencing many beautiful sights both home and abroad.  Even though dementia and a painful lower back sent him to assisted living in 2009, he hardly ever complained, and showed everyone how to grow old with grace and humor.

Tom was preceded in death by his wife Irene in 2004, his daughter Maggie in 2005, sisters Marie, Dorothy, Margaret, and Betty, and brothers Joe, Dennis, Jack, and Dan.  He is survived by his sons Tom (61) and Michael (52) and grandsons Ryan (34), Kevin (30), Liam (19), Aidan (15), and Talon (10), and great-grandson Oliver (3).  He is also survived by twelve nieces and nephews and numerous grandnieces and grandnephews.

Military burial services for Tom will be at Ft. Logan Cemetery on Tuesday, September, 8, 2020 at 11:00.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Brain Foundation.