Robert Nottingham Tracy

Captain Robert Nottingham “Super Duck” Tracy, USN Retired, passed away peacefully in Copley, Ohio on Monday, August 29, 2022 at the age of 80.  

Bob was born in Beverly Hills to Robert Noyes Tracy and Margaret Bonney Tracy. While in high school he achieved the Rank of Eagle Scout with Boy Scout Troop 176. Bob attended the University of Texas from 1960-1964, where he was enrolled in the Navy ROTC program and was initiated as a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity.  After graduation, he entered into career service as a Naval Aviator, flying F4 Phantom IIs with VF 74, VF 101, VF 151on the USS Coral Sea (CV-43) and the USS Constellation (CV-64). He earned the title Top Gun in 1965 for target hits, a record he held for three months, and was decorated for valor during his tours in Vietnam. After serving as Executive Officer, Bob was the Commanding Officer of fighter squadron VF 21, and then Air Boss on the USS Midway (CV-41). He also did several tours at the Pentagon and participated in an exchange at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona with the tactical fighter training squadron (TFTS 426). From 1987–1989, Bob served as Captain of the USS White Plains (AFS-4). His final post was as Chief of Staff, Naval District Washington where he was in charge of the US Navy Yard, before retiring in 1991. Post-retirement, Bob earned an executive MBA from UCLA and then went into the philately business, operating as a rare stamp dealer for several years which allowed him to engage in his childhood passion for stamps.

He lived an enthusiastic life full of service to his country, travel, and adventure. Bob loved gourmet cooking and dining, exploring new cultures and ideas, and scuba diving. He was a dedicated sports fans and followed many teams. An avid reader, he was a life-long student and passed that love, that knowledge, and that sense of honor on to his family.  He will be deeply missed.  

He is survived by his wife, Marsha; his children, Andrea Weaver of Tarpon Springs, Fl., Dr. Larissa Tracy of Richmond, Va., Jeremy Robertson of Pasadena, Ca., and Tricia Gilliand of Kent, Ohio; three beloved grandchildren, Nathan and Breana Weaver and Seth Gilliand; two brothers, James Tracy of Invermere, British Columbia, Canada, Timothy Tracy of Monterey, Ca. and numerous extended family members.  

A memorial and a graveside internment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va. at a later date.  

Services in care of Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 West Main Street, Kent, OH 44240.

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