Jay H. Tracy

Born in Weymouth on November 26, 1939, the son of Albert E Tracy and Marjorie Litchfield Tracy.

Jay lived on the South Shore, Hingham, and Westwood for much of his childhood, caddying in the summer and playing on the waterfront.  Moving several times while his father worked as the National Sales Manager for American Motors, Jay began a lifelong love for the car business.  As a teenager he lived in a boarding house and worked summers as an attendant for a filling station in Yarmouth and later as an automobile salesman in Hyannis while attending college.  

Jay attended Westwood High School where he played Football, Hockey, and Baseball.  He went on to graduate from Colgate University and took a job with Cadillac Motor Car Division.  He moved to Detroit, in 1962 with his new bride Constance Moore Tracy and later to Cleveland where they started their family.  Sons Bradford W Tracy and Jeffrey W Tracy were both born in Cleveland Ohio.

After a few years, Jay and his father decided to purchase a car dealership of their own.  In 1968 they opened Tracy Volkswagen which still operates today with Brad Tracy as the owner.  In 1992 Jay opened Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac in Plymouth, MA. and Jeff Tracy became owner in 1999.  Jay always wanted to be a Cadillac dealer after working for the manufacturer. He loved the business, his customers, and the community.  Jay became the Master of the Hyannis Masonic Lodge, President of the local Chambers of Commerce, President of the board at Hyannis port Country Club.  Also, he was past president of the Mass Golf Association and the Mass Auto Dealer Association.  He volunteered his time for countless Golf Tournaments and various other community endeavors.  He even won the prestigious award “Time Dealer of the Year” for Massachusetts.  The automobile business meant the world to him.

Jay became an avid golfer and sailor.  He cherished his many friends and relationships at the course and on the water.  He was very competitive and always did his best while displaying unwavering sportsmanship and integrity.  Jay believed in doing things the right way.  He shared life’s lessons through sports and work.  Work hard and always treat people with respect.  The many lessons he passed along centered around his moral compass.  Follow the rules, be humble, and remember to be nice.

As a car dealer he believed in the customer above all else.  Look through the customer’s eyes and treat them the way you would want to be treated.  Always do what you say you will do.  Repeat and referral business was the mainstay for both car dealerships.  Jay was very proud of his accomplishments and his ability to pass his love for the business on to his two sons.  He and his extended family have all flourished because of his vision and hard work.  

Most importantly, Jay was a family man who took great pleasure in watching his children and grandchildren in sports, dance, theatre, graduations, and a myriad of events.  He loved golfing, boating, and being with the kids.  Always quick to offer suggestions to promote greater success, he cherished the opportunity to be helpful.  His insight will be missed.

Jay is survived by his wife Constance Moore Tracy, sons Bradford W Tracy and his wife Holly and Jeffrey W Tracy and his wife Kimberley, grandchildren Leah, Christian, Matthew, Josie, and Shawn.  Also, four great grandchildren Pearl, Jay, Collins, and Wells.

Most importantly, Jay lived life with admiration, enjoyment, and curiosity for everyone around him.  He was a true gentleman.

Jay's family will receive visitors on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 from 4-7 pm at the Doane, Beal, & Ames Funeral Home, 160 West Main St., Hyannis.

The Tracy family requests that you consider a donation to A Baby Center, 232 Main St., Hyannis, MA 02601.