Frank L. Tracy, '51
Frank L. Tracy Jr. ("Mr. Long Island")
April 26, 1933 - January 9, 2003
Born in New York City on April 26, 1933, Frank L. Tracy, Jr. was the first of Kathryne and Frank L. Tracy's four children. A military man, Frank Sr. moved his family between military posts in New York, Texas, Virginia and Pennsylvania before finally settling on Long Island.Frank Jr.'s early years were filled with adversity. Bullied and beaten in Texas because of his "Yankee" accent, bullied and beaten in Pittsburgh because of his "Southern" accent, Queens Village (later New Hyde Park and then Floral Park) became his home; he was safe here on Long Island.
A good student and an athlete, he attended Jamaica High School and Sewanaka High School. He was studying Building Construction at State University at Farmingdale when he met the beautiful big brown eyes of Yolanka, soon to be his wife. In the Naval Reserve during his college years, he went on Active Duty and in the fall of 1953 he served in the Phillipines until March of 1956. He married that following May and lived in Huntington Village until 1958. In that year he moved to Melville on Pineridge Street across from his Mother and Father-in-law. With Yolanka and his burgeoning family, he lived in the house he built for the remainder of his life.
Frank worked as a construction supervisor for various construction companies, such as Turner, Howell and Racanelli. He left his mark on the land that he loved, Long Island - from his work on La Guardia's Control Tower to the Heartland Industrial Park.
It was in the duty of civic responsibility that Frank truly left his mark on his precious land. His ability to blend political, socio-economic and religious principles into a singular and passionate vision of positivism was an inspirational force to those in his presence. He was active in Melville Civic Association; he was also active in St. Kilian's Parish in Holy Name, Nocturnal Adoration and a member of the choir for 17 years. Eighteen years ago he began what would become another passion in his life, singing in the Twin Shores Barber Shop Chorus, which he was active in until his final days.
He belonged to the Republican Club for 30 years and while often passionately conservative on issues, he was open to all opinions. At the same time, he was involved with the Long Island Association, the Seabees (Navy), Save the Huntington Light House and he also volunteered for many numerous organizations and activities.
It was the formation of Promote "Long Island" NY, Inc. that Frank Tracy was most dear to his heart. Frank brought top business leaders together to improve the way Long Island was marketed and to increase a positive awareness of the region. It's mission statement:
"To foster and Promote public awareness and appreciation of Long Island, particularly the benefits of living on Long Island and Long Island's parks, beaches, cultural, educational, recreational and tourist activities; to foster and Promote Long Island's regional economy; and to foster and Promote a positive community identity for the Long Island region through activities designed to rally Long Island spirit and pride, and the expanded use of the Long Island address."
was a paragraph that he would refine and perfect throughout the rest of his life. As the Founder of the organization, Frank Tracy soon became the region's most visible lobbyist and cheerleader. Neither business leader nor elected official was safe from being cornered by Frank pressing an issue of regional importance. He gained the nicknames "Mr. Long Island" and "The Mayor of Long Island." His address book and business card collection was legendary and Frank could frequently be found networking and adding to his collection of people who could support and help in his cause. He recruited high school student volunteers to provide neighborhood and beach cleanups. He pressed for the use of what he referred to as the "Long Island Address" as a way to increase identification with the region. This brought him afoul of the U.S. Postal Service but Frank promoted the concept nonetheless. Many Long Islanders will remember his ubiquitous pale blue bumper stickers promoting Long Island. The organization is currently presided over by Brian R. McCaffrey of Keyspan. Mr. McCaffrey said, "The Board of Directors of Promote "LONG ISLAND" NY, Inc. is saddened by the passing of its beloved founder, Frank Tracy. Promote Long Island's mission was Frank's dream, and we are pleased to be able to continue his mission. Mr. Tracy's passing is a loss to Promote Long Island and to all of Long Island."
Later on, when the Internet began to arise as a new medium, Frank understood the marketing possibilities immediately. Early on, he developed a web site, www.promoteli.org. By bringing together many young Internet entrepreneurs, he enlisted them in his crusade. He was directly involved in the 1996 "Families On The Web" Show at New York Institute. The program concerned parental involvement and safe use of the web. Email became Frank Tracy's new method of broadcasting his positive and uplifting views.
Frank Tracy was a paragon of tolerance and patience. However, he had little time for mediocrity or ineptitude. He maintained extremely high standards and he insisted that others try to reach deeper than they normally would. And people did because they believed in his inspirational vision and motivational style. Frank Tracy had such a strong faith and zest in life that it was infectious.
He enjoyed his hobbies including skiing and teaching his children to ski, jogging, gardening, landscaping and numerous outdoor activities that fed his love of nature. He was also keen on having fun with words, often greeting people by saying, "God Day", and leaving them with "Haste in Peace" - instantly bringing a smile to the person. His tireless efforts for Long Island, the land and the people, and his good-natured personality become local legend.
In 1998, Frank Tracy learned that he was suffering from terminal idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, an incurable lung disease of unknown origin. It merely slowed him down a little. With his portable oxygen apparatus, Frank still showed up at LIMBA meetings, at Twin Shore Chorus rehearsals, Landmark Education Seminars and at many events and functions. In October 2002, he was diagnosed with Celiac Disease, a life-threatening allergy to gluten and wheat that prohibits the absorption of nutrients. Still, a week before his death, with his body weak and his breathing labored, he was still on the phone, making sure his affairs were in order and arranging the details of his own funeral.
He is survived by his wife, Yolanka; daughters Margaret, Carrie, Debi, Stephanie and son Mark and their respective spouses; his sister Kate Forsbrey of NJ; brother Donald of California; and his grandchildren, Cassandra, Mila, Melissa, and Benjamin.
Preparing the family before he departed, Frank Tracy made his own funeral arrangements. In lieu of floral arrangements or fruit baskets, expressions of sympathy may be made by donations to LI Cares in memory of Frank Tracy, his love for Long Island and his compassion for the hungry and homeless of Long Island.
(LI Cares, P.O. Box 1330, Brentwood, NY 11717
www.licares.org Tel: 631.435.1936 Fax: 631.273.2184)
This information was copied on 10/02/04 from an untitled website published by the Long Island Eye Frank L. Tracy, "Mr. Long Island."
: : : : 10/02/04