SOUTH PARIS – Robert “Bob” K. Tracy, 88, a resident of Otisfield, and formerly of Wyckoff, N.J., died Oct. 12, 2022. He was born in 1934, the son of Rupert and Pat Tracy of Norway. A 1952 graduate of Norway High School, Bob served four years in the U.S. Air Force as a B-47 bomber mechanic. In 1959 he was the Marshal of the first graduating class of the University of Maine in Portland, and he received a B.A. degree from the University of Maine in Orono where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi honorary societies. He obtained a master’s degree in French from Montclair State College, N.J. He taught French for four years at Yarmouth (Maine) High School, and for 30 years at Ridgewood (N.J.) High School. For 23 years he was coordinator of the Ridgewood H.S. Language Lab, and three times was Acting Chair of the World Languages Department. As a teacher of Advanced Placement French Language, Bob served several years as a Presenter-Consultant for the College Board and as a Reader of the French Language Advanced Placement Exam. He was the recipient of the Governor’s Teacher Recognition award at Ridgewood H.S. in 1988. A self-taught computer programmer, Bob created some 30 programs in Commodore Basic for the use of students of French at Ridgewood H.S.

Bob enjoyed working with his hands, whether on machines or with wood and acquired a love of hunting from his father. He derived much pleasure from photography, computers and the many road trips he shared with his wife across America and Canada, several of which were aboard touring motorcycles. He was a former member of the Otisfield Volunteer Fire Department, the Otisfield Historical Society, and was on the Board of Directors of the Thompson Lake Environmental Association for 14 years.

In 1960 Bob married his wife, June, of 62 years whom he fondly referred to as “My June”. They had three children and seven grandchildren, all much loved by both.

He is survived by his wife, children and grandchildren as well as by his brother, Ted and sister-in-law Ellie and by his sister-in law Anitra.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, his brother, Neil, and by his sister, Marguerite.

Bob’s wife and family would like to thank the staff at the Maine Veteran’s Home in South Paris and at Stephen’s Memorial Hospital whose care and compassion made Bob’s final weeks as comfortable as possible.

At Bob’s request, a family gathering instead of formal services will be held. Arrangements are under the care of Oxford Hills Funeral Service, 1037 Main Street, Oxford. Online condolences may be shared with his family at http://www.oxfordhillsfuneralservices.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bob’s memory to the Thompson Lake Environmental Association,

P.O. Box 25,

Oxford, ME 04270