Charles W Day

Charles W Day – September 9, 1933 – March 21, 2026

Charles W. Day, known to everyone as Chuck, passed away on March 21, 2026, at the age of 92, in Sebring, Florida, where he had made his home. Born on September 9, 1933, in Utica, New York, to Wesley Day and Dorothy (Ladd) Day, Chuck lived a full, vibrant life marked by service, laughter, hard work, and an unshakeable love for the outdoors. Chuck graduated from Whitesboro High School in New York and went on to serve his country in the United States Air Force as Military Air Police during the Korean War, serving on active duty from 1953 to 1957 and in the reserves from 1957 to 1961. He was a proud veteran for the rest of his life, a member of DAV Ridge Chapter 49, the VFW, and Amvets. Classified as 100 percent disabled, Chuck was honored to travel to Washington, D.C., on the Freedom Flight, an experience he cherished deeply. On September 15, 1956, Chuck married the love of his life, Betty Janet Dunn, and the two built a wonderful life together. He was an extremely hard worker who never turned down an opportunity to lend a hand. Chuck spent 20 years with General Electric Aerospace and another 22 years with the New York State Canal Division. He also served as Constable for the Town of Deerfield for five years, always dedicated to his community. But if you really wanted to find Chuck in his element, you had to follow him into the woods or out on the water. He was a passionate, lifelong hunter, fisherman, camper, and RVer. He won the big buck contest at the Deerfield Fish and Game Club and was elected to the New York State Outdoorsman Hall of Fame in 1993. He served on the board of directors for the New York State Wild Turkey Federation and was a proud member of the Deerfield Fish and Game Club, the Hartwick Fish and Game Club, and a lifetime member of the U.S. Parks system. Chuck was also the kind of guy who made every room better just by walking into it. He was a prankster, a joker, and someone who could strike up banter with absolutely anyone. He once bought a brand new vehicle simply because he refused to pay that much for an oil change. That was Chuck, and people loved him for it. His generous spirit led him to volunteer with the American Red Cross, teach firearms safety courses, and give his time to Highland Hammock State Park. His deep and abiding Christian faith guided everything he did, and he was a devoted member of Heartland Christian Church, where he served in the "Come to the Table" ministry. His faith was not something he kept to himself; he lived it out every single day through kindness, service, and love. Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Wesley and Dorothy Day; his sisters, Vivian Jean (Day) Beck and Mary Lou (Day) Anderson, and their husbands, George Beck and William Anderson; his brother, William Day; his grandson, Steven R. Day; and several beloved members of Betty's family, including Lawrence Dunn, Ruth (Meyers) Dunn, Theresa (Moreau) Dunn, Ronald Dunn, Rita (Dunn) Sanderson, and Linda (Dunn) Hurlbut. He is survived by his beloved wife, Betty Janet (Dunn) Day; his sons, Stephen C. Day and his wife Sheila (Neary) Day, and Brian P. Day; his sister-in-law, Marilyn (Morgan) Day; his grandchildren, Carolynn (Day) Zima and her husband Jason Zima, Michael Day, Jordan Day, and Jacob Day; his great-grandchildren, Aiden Zima, Alexander Zima, and Charlotte "Sweetpea" Day; and extended family members Kenneth Dunn, Howard Sanderson, Roxanne (Liscum) Dunn, and Ronald Hurlbut, along with many other family members and dear friends. A memorial service will be held on April 9, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Heartland Christian Church, 2705 Alt 27 South, Sebring, Florida, with Pastor Dennis Sheirs officiating. A reception will follow the service. Rest in heavenly peace, Chuck. Until we embrace again, we love you always and forever.