Dr. Thomas "Tom" Joseph Tracy

Thomas “Tom” Tracy, devoted husband of Nancy Tracy, née Booker; loving father of Michael Tracy, Joseph (Victoria) Tracy, and Declan “Jack” Tracy; dedicated stepfather to Taylor (Molly) Campbell and the late Travis Campbell; cherished grandpa of Alexander, Emma, Magdaline, Michael Jr. “Bubba”, Joseph “Bull”, Anabel, Eleanor, Sophia, Penelope “Pippa”, and Josephine; beloved brother of his twin, Kathleen Walczak Tracy, Susan (Mike) Jozik, and the late Maureen (Steve) Basner; treasured uncle to Colleen Basner O’Brien, Pete (Kacie) Zubinski, Marie Zubinski, Jodi Walczak, Marc (Kathryn) Reichel and Marc’s twin, the late Timothy Reichel; proud granduncle of George and Dean O’Brien, and Alani Reichel. Adored friend and cousin to many.

Tom was born and raised in the St. Margaret of Scotland parish community and later lived in Beverly on the South Side of Chicago. He worked for many years at the Chicago Board Options Exchange. Tom earned a bachelor’s degree at Roosevelt University and both his master’s and doctorate at the University of Oregon. Tom was a venerated associate professor at Grambling State University, earning a rare 100% rating on RateMyProfessor. He was a published author of many papers and three books, and an accomplished musician with several recorded tracks. Fluent in French, Tom also taught the language at a high school in Minden, Louisiana, where he lived since 2001 with his beloved wife, Nancy. Tom, however, ensured he was never far from his home, Chicago. A devoted grandfather, he had individual and loving relationships with each of his grandchildren. Tom’s warmth, wit, wisdom, and vibrant spirit will be profoundly missed by all who had the distinct privilege of knowing him. Above all, Tom cherished his family and friends, making it a priority to stay connected and nurture relationships that meant so much to him. Tom had a particularly strong twin bond with his “wombmate” Kathy, who he affectionately called “Kaf-Kaf”. His presence, laughter, and love will be missed, but the memories he created and the lives he touched will remain a lasting part of his legacy.

Two of Tom’s favorite causes were Chimp Haven, (13600 Chimpanzee Place, Keithville, LA 71047) and Central Park (the Central Park Conservancy in New York). If y’all would like to make a donation to either cause in lieu of flowers, please do so.

Services in Minden will be held on October 31 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1107 Broadway Street, Minden, LA 71055.

Services in Chicago will be held at Most Holy Redeemer 9525 Lawndale Ave, Evergreen Park, IL 60805 in the coming weeks. Details will be announced by the family.