Donald Day

Donald "Don" Joseph Day, 86, New Albany, IN passed away peacefully in the early hours of Saturday, October 11th 2025 at the Rivercrest Senior Living Facility. He was born on May 17th, 1939 in Lanesville, Indiana to the late Wilfred L. "Grinner" Day and Marie M. (Bachman) Day.
Don graduated from Our Lady of Providence High School, earned his undergraduate degree in Business from Indiana University, and received his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Louisville. Don was equally proud of his degrees and a loyal alumnus of every school he attended, especially Indiana University where he was a "superfan" and loyal season ticket holder for over 60 years. He attended the only Rose Bowl appearance in Indiana history in 1967. His strong faith in God and willingness to help others was instilled in him by his family at an early age, where he was a devoted parishioner of Sacred Heart located in Jeffersonville, Indiana and St. John Paul II Catholic Church located in Sellersburg, Indiana.
Don frequently entertained others by performing and leading people in song. He was known for his outgoing personality and his drive to help others, which led him to naturally seek out active roles and leadership positions in any community he was a part of. Don was an ambassador that led by example, a hard worker, and a committed advocate for every organization he was lovingly involved with. Everyone knew without question that if something was needed, Don would be there to see it through. He was never afraid to ask for money for causes he believed in.
Some of the organizations that Don was involved with include; United Way of Clark County, Providence High School (where he served on the board of directors and the board of trustees), St. Elizabeth Regional Maternity Center Advisory Board, the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana (where he was a board member, board chair, and committee member for several years), the Boy Scouts, the Jeffersonville Rotary Club, Jeffersonville Redevelopment Commission Member, Jeffersonville Housing Corp., Clark County Redevelopment Commission, Sacred Heart Catholic Church (member and president), and St. John Paul II Catholic Church, just to name a few. In every group, community, and organization he served, he was at one time or another the president, chairman, annual campaign chair, board chair, and/or council member.
Don also received several nominations and awards for his dedication and service, including the Distinguished Achievement Award from the Archdiocese of Indianapolis in 2002, and the American Red Cross Bales Humanitarian award in 2009.
Don was a faithful servant and the legacy he leaves behind is one of Faith, Family, and Friends.
In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by; devoted wife of 35 years, Barbara Gayle (Roy) Day; loving wife of 26 years, Joyce Brooks (Harpe) Day; and stepson, Jeffrey Brooks.
Left to cherish his memory; sons, Dr. Chris Day (Ann), and Steve "Lefty" Day (Lisa); stepson, David Brooks; grandchildren, Alex Day (Kristin), Erich Day (Taylor), and Morgan Day; step-grandchildren, Charlie, Colin, and Spencer Brooks; greatgrandchildren, Ethan, Maya, and Wesley Day; sister, Carol Ullrich (Ed); brothers, Fr. Wilfred "Sonny" Day, and Jerry Day (Lin); and countless cousins, nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at St. John Paul II Catholic Church located at 2253 West St. Joe Road, Sellersburg, IN 47172 with visitation on Monday, October 20th from 3 PM – 8 PM and also on Tuesday, October 21st from 10 AM – 11 AM. The Rosary Service will be held at 8 PM Monday. The Funeral Mass will take place at 11 AM on Tuesday, with burial to follow at Walnut Ridge Cemetery in Jeffersonville, Indiana.
Expressions of sympathy can be made in the form of donations in Don's name to St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities, Our Lady of Providence High School, and St. John Paul II Catholic Church.