Joseph Day

1937 - 2025

It is with great sadness that the family of Joseph Richard Day announce his peaceful passing at his residence in Austin, Texas, surrounded by the love of his family on September 19, 2025. Joe was born to the late Josephine Louise Julian Day and Joseph Harrison Day in Mansfield, Ohio on October 31, 1937.
A 1956 graduate of Mansfield Senior High School, Joe entered the U.S. Air Force following graduation and honorably served for four years. On May 9, 1959, he married Carol Sue (Leitenberger) at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Mansfield. Following his service in the U.S. Air Force, they relocated to Heath, Ohio, where he built a long and respected career at Newark Air Force Base. Over the course of 34 years, he held various important positions at the Department of Defense until he retired as a program analyst in 1992. During this time, he was also a dedicated member of St. Leonard's Catholic Church in Heath, Ohio.
Upon retirement, Joe enjoyed working at St. Alban's golf course until he and Carol moved to Fredericksburg, Texas, where they resided for 15 years. During that time, he enjoyed league bowling as well as golfing with many new friends. Later, Joe and Carol relocated to Austin to be closer to their daughters Debra and Danita. When he wasn't golfing, Joe could be found fishing or cheering on The Ohio State Buckeyes. Joe was also known for his fiercely competitive nature in card games and his talent for spinning long-winded stories that entertained family and friends alike. At home, his meticulous care for his lawn was a running joke among loved ones, as it always had to be in perfect shape. Most notably, Joe was a dedicated father and beloved grandfather, passing down many lessons and skills throughout his life.
Joe is survived by his wife, Carol, and five children: Debra Floyd, Diane (Alan) Shafer, Denise (Rob) Hess, Richard (Karen) Day, and Danita (Clarence Barnes Jr.) Day and his seven grandchildren, Dayna (Jonathan) Arnone, Riley Hess, Anthony (Catalina) Day, Alexa (Michael) Liedtke, Jenna Shafer, Zack Shafer, Erin Floyd; two sisters, Mary Lou (Don) Sidle and Judy (Ron) Davis, sister-in-law Patricia Rohal, brother-in-law Michael (Sally) Leitenberger and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Joe was proceeded in death by his infant daughter, Cynthia Marie Day, son-in-law, Robert Floyd, brother-in-law, Jon Rohal, and nephew Christopher Davis.
Joe's legacy will live on through his family, his stories, and the many lives he touched. He will be deeply missed. The family would like to thank Magnolia Hospice and the staff of Clearwater at the Arboretum in Austin, Texas for the tender and loving care provided to Joe.
Funeral services for Joe were held at Reed-Egan funeral home in Newark, Ohio on Saturday, October 4, 2025. Inurnment at St. Joseph Cemetery followed, with military honors provided by the Licking County Veterans Alliance. To sign an online guestbook, please visit www.reedegan.com.