It is with great sadness that the family of William (Bill) Tracey announces his passing on December 27th, 2018 at the age of 88. Bill will live on in the hearts and minds of his loving wife of over 57 years, Joan, as well as his four adoring children, Bill of Providence, RI, Ann Hunnewell and her husband Robert of Dedham, MA, Leo and his wife Frederika of Wakefield, RI, and Michael and his fiancé Jessica of Denver, CO. He will also be remembered with deep affection by his five grandchildren, Alex, Caroline, James, Anika and Jackson.
A native of Providence and the youngest son of Patrick Austin and Helen (Vermelin) Tracey, he attended LaSalle Academy, Canterbury School and Providence College before his acceptance to Georgetown Law. His legal career would be cut short when duty called, and he went on to serve honorably in the Navy during the Korean War.
After completing his military service, his entrepreneurial spirit beckoned and he acquired the Cathedral Art Metal Company in 1960. Along with his son, Leo, he expanded Cathedral from a small local manufacturer to a multinational industry leader in inspirational gifts, jewelry and religious goods.
Bill was an avid golfer who competed at the highest levels of amateur competition in RI and across New England throughout the 50s, 60s and 70s. He was a lifelong member and former club champion of Metacomet CC, where he enjoyed many great friendships over the years, he was also a longtime member of the Kittansett Club and the Mid Ocean Club. In addition to being president of the Rhode Island Golf Association and president of the John P. Burke Memorial Caddie Scholarship Fund, he was also active in the founding and creation of the Button Hole Golf Facility, a charity focused on bringing the game to the less fortunate among us.
His philanthropic nature, natural kindness and empathy toward those in need will most certainly be missed. Bill was always a defender of people or groups he felt were being discriminated against or mistreated. Believing so strongly, as he did, in social equality for all people regardless of race, gender, or creed, he was compelled on many occasions to stand up and confront unfair treatment. These qualities served not only as life lessons for his children, they would also inspire many of the people he touched in his life.
Bill was a devout Catholic and benefactor of the Catholic Church; faith was an integral part of his life. Above all else, he was devoted to his wife and family. Well beyond any of his own accomplishments, he took a great deal of pride in the genuine pleasure his children, grandchildren and extended family derived from simply spending time together. His strength and unwavering love have always been the foundation for that bond, and as long as it lives on, so will his spirit.
We ask that donations be made in lieu of flowers to:
Button Hole
One Button Hole Drive
Providence, RI 02909
A mass of Christian burial will be held in the Church of St. Sebastian (67 Cole Ave., Providence, RI) on Wednesday, January 2nd at 11:00 AM.
Arrangements entrusted to the J F Skeffington Funeral Home, 925 Chalkstone Avenue, Providence, RI.
View/Sign the Guestbook
