Guillermo Ignacio Racines, 84, of Emmaus, died Nov. 6, 2022. In 1962, while visiting his brother and sister in Washington, D.C., he met his future wife, Audrey (Gardner) Racines. “Bill” to his English-speaking friends; “Nacho” to his family; “Chico” to his soccer friends, was born in Quito, Ecuador to the late Guillermo A. Racines and Delia (Yerov) Racines.

He and his wife moved to Emmaus in 1969. A dignified, multidimensional man who evades simple description, he would never let you leave his house hungry or without a jacket. He adored his family and friends, with his grandchildren garnering special devotion. He brightened every room he entered with his passion for life and warmth. Hospitality, generosity, kindness and selflessness were among his trademarks.

He attended Universidad Central in Quito, majoring in philosophy, while perfecting his skills as a bullfighter. Later, he sailed to Spain to pursue his dream to become an acclaimed matador de toros. That dream did not materialize, but many others did.

He worked for the M.W. Wood Company and its eventual successor, Sodexo, for 36 years at many area colleges and businesses. Among his favorites were eight years as food service director at Lafayette College and his retirement job at Moravian Academy.

Having played competitive soccer in South America, he dreamed of soccer as an international unifying force. After moving to Emmaus, he became active with the “new” sport that was emerging in the United States. He was on the board of directors and served as vice president of the young Western Lehigh Youth Soccer Association, coaching all ages. He coached a generation of players in the Emmaus area. An enthusiastic supporter of the short-lived professional team, the Pennsylvania Stoners, he wrote a theme song for them which he played and sang for them at their home games. He actively played several times a week until he was 75 years old. He was named “Honorary Coach” by Moravian Academy and inducted into the Lehigh Valley Soccer Hall of Fame.

He was a talented musician and dancer. He played piano, accordion and guitar in several musical groups over the years; including I Paesani and the Emmaus Public Singing Society. He danced in several Repertory Dance Theatre of the Lehigh Valley productions, including many years in “Nutcracker” and two years as Dr. Coppelius in “Coppélia.”

A prolific writer, he and a friend worked for 25 years to compile expressions in a guide/compendium of Spanish and English expressions.

He attended St. John’s United Church of Christ, Emmaus and volunteered for many of the church’s fundraising dinners. He also served on the board of the Hispanic American Organization.

He is survived by his wife; son, Theodore “Torey” and his wife, Kristi, of Cheyenne, Wyo.; daughters, Amanda and her husband, Brian Lovett, of Lower Macungie Township, Jessica and her husband, Jeremy Brandt, of Palmer Township and Alexandra, of Emmaus; grandchildren, Reid and Graham Lovett; Adalyn and Theo; Antonia and Aurora Brandt; brothers, Galo and Jorge; sister, Leonor; many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by three brothers and a sister.

Contributions may be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund, JDRF.org and/or JuxtaHub, (Emmaus Creative Arts & Innovation Center) 375 S. 10th St., Emmaus, 18049, JuxtaHub.com in honor of his children.

At his insistence, there will be no services. He did not want to “inconvenience” anyone. He was always doing for others, but could not accept anyone doing anything for him. Arrangements are entrusted to the Schantz Funeral Home, P.C., Emmaus.