John "Jay" Dayton

Dayton, John "Jay"
HOLLAND, Ohio - John J. "Jay" Dayton, 87, of Holland, Ohio, passed peacefully on August 26, at Lakes of Sylvania, surrounded by family. Born on August 15, 1938, in S. Troy, N.Y., to the late John J. Sr. and Elizabeth "Bette" (Devery) Dayton, Jay attended Sacred Heart School and LaSalle Institute in Troy, before embarking on an adventure-filled four years at the University of Miami in Fla.
Upon returning to Troy, Jay started his lifelong career in sales at W.H. Bumstead Chevrolet dealership alongside his father. He later shifted to the swimming pool business, first at Pacific Pools in Latham, N.Y., and then to P.I. in eastern Tenn., where he was National Sales Manager.
Jay was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hiking, fishing, and hunting with his faithful English Setters. An avid reader, he also enjoyed jazz and classic rock, gourmet food, and gardening. He was happiest when spending time with family, especially his grandchildren.
Jay is survived by his wife of 62 years, Bonita J. (Inglis); children, Susan E. Dayton (Deb Williams) of East Greenbush, N.Y., Stephen J. Dayton, of Wynantskill, N.Y., Shawn M. Dayton (Tracie Nelson), of Holland, Ohio, Gregory W. Dayton, of W. Richland, Wash.; and grandchildren, Benjamin N. Dayton (Kirsten Bergman) of Toledo, Ohio, Andrew J. Dayton of Columbus, Ohio, Caroline E. Dayton, of Holland, Ohio, Kameron E. Dayton of W. Richland, Wash.; and step-granddaughter, Kyra Andress of Wash.
Jay's Funeral Mass was held Saturday, August 30, in St. Joan of Arc Church, Toledo, Ohio. Graveside services will be Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 10 a.m., in St. Jean Baptiste Cemetery, Troy, N.Y. Urbanski Funeral Home Toledo, Ohio, and William Leahy Funeral Home, Troy, N.Y., are assisting the family.