Jeffrey John Day

Commander Jeffrey J. Day (Ret.), 78 years old, passed away peacefully, at the VA Medical Center in Canandaigua, NY, on Memorial Day, May 25, 2026. He was predeceased by his wife, Katherine Dillion Day, son Jason J. Day, and daughter Jennifer C. Day. Survived by his sister, Elizabeth(Bruce)Freeland, nephews David (Melanie) Freeland and Jonathan (Diana) Freeland and great-nephews Emerson, Isaac and Adam.

Jeff graduated from the University of Notre Dame where he received his commission and began his Naval Career. A retired US Navy Commander, Jeff served 23 years and received numerous medals and commendations. Recognized for his service during Vietnam, he received the Combat Action Ribbon and the Navy Achievement Medal with Combat V (for Valor) for service aboard the USS MacKenzie. Following commendable sea duty and staff assignments, for which he received the Navy Commendation Medal and Meritorius Service Medal, Jeff was assigned to NATO Support Operations in Naples, Italy, where he received recognition for coordinating and supporting NATO Coalition Forces in the Mediterranean during the Persian Gulf War. During his last year of service, he taught at The Defense Institute of Security Assistance Management at Wright Patterson AFB. Upon retirement, he received the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, which recognized his outstanding service and dedication to the Armed Forces and honored his professional achievement and commitment to the Naval Service.

His former shipmates offer the following remembrance: "Jeff was a highly professional and decorated naval officer. Good natured and possessing a wonderful sense of humor, he was the epitome of dedication and inspiring Naval officer leadership. His former shipmates bid him Fair winds and Following Seas".

Following his Navy career, Jeff moved to Houston, Texas. He worked at Merrill Lynch and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and other volunteer organizations.

The family wishes to thank the staff at the VA Medical Center in Canandaigua for their kind, compassionate care to Jeff and his family over the years.

A memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family at Woodside Cemetery, Middletown, Ohio. He will be interred alongside his beloved wife Katherine. He will be missed by family and friends alike. Memorial contributions can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.