John J. Tracy Jr., 58; advised firms

John J. Tracy Jr., 58, of Overbrook Farms, an educator who later became a human-resources specialist, died of complications from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma Monday at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.

A 1967 graduate of Cardinal O'Hara High School in Springfield, Delaware County, Mr. Tracy earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Temple University in 1971. Afterward, he taught seventh grade at St. Barnabas School in Southwest Philadelphia for three years while continuing his studies at Temple. He earned a master's degree in education in 1974, and for the next 10 years worked for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia as director of its Catholic Youth Organization and its Career Exploration Project.

After his years with the archdiocese, he left education to work in the private sector. He was a human-resources specialist for more than 15 years for several area companies, including Cap Gemini Ernst & Young and the Hay Group.

In 2002, he founded HR Leverage, which provides human-resources solutions to small to mid-sized firms including recruitment, strategic planning and training.

He advised companies how to maximize the value of their employees and helped them grow, said his wife, Mary Cawly Tracy.

The couple met in Wildwood and married in 1976. He was a true "Renaissance man," she said.

He enjoyed great food, art, music, Big 5 basketball, the Penn Relays, and Philadelphia's professional sports teams. Every other year, he organized trips to the New Orleans Jazz Festival for the Penrose Ferry Men's Association, a social club he helped found.

He was past president of the boards of the Overbrook Farms Club, a residents' association, and Hireability, a nonprofit that matches people with disabilities with jobs. He also served on the boards of other nonprofits, including Mercy Neighborhood Ministries in North Philadelphia.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Tracy is survived by a son, Bryan; daughters Clare and Kate; his mother, Mary Tracy; two sisters; and a brother.

Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. today at Fairmount Boathouse, No. 2 Boathouse Row on Kelly Drive. A Funeral Mass will be said at 10:30 a.m. tomorrow at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 63d Street and Lancaster Avenue, West Philadelphia. Burial will be private.