Born in St. Louis, he married Casimera Tracy (nee Malon) in 1966. Deacon Tracy served for four years in the U.S. Marine Corps and for more than 20 years with the St. Louis City Police Department.

Deacon Tracy was ordained to the Sacred Order of the Diaconate in 1999 by Cardinal Justin Rigali. He was assigned to St. Ambrose Parish and served that parish for his entire ministry, retiring on Dec. 21, 2015.

Prior to his retirement, he performed the sacramental functions of a deacon, specifically assisting at Mass, conducting wake services and attending and presiding at funerals and wake services, leading Liturgy of the Word and Communion Services when needed, performing baptisms, conducting benedictions and leading Stations of the Cross. Deacon Tracy also worked extensively with people who were grieving, various St. Vincent DePaul Society programs, the Knights of Columbus (he was a 4th Degree Knight), American Legion support programs, in the parish with people who are homebound, hospital patients, sacramental and ministry preparation programs and with the pro-life program.

Survivors include his wife, Casimera; three children, Daniel J. Tracy Jr., Deborah Sisco and Edward Tracy; three grandchildren; and his great grandchildren. Burial was in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.