Joseph William “Joe” Day
Joseph William “Joe” Day
Joseph William “Joe” Day, 72, Akron, passed unexpectedly on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, at Day Hardware doing what he enjoyed.
He was born on Jan. 5, 1952, in Hammond, to the late Richard E. “Dick” and Julia “Judy” Ann (Bidwell) Day. He grew up in Hammond alongside his sister Pam. His family moved to Akron in 1963 when he was 11 and purchased the hardware store. He helped at the store throughout his childhood after school. He enjoyed the change of pace of the Akron area. He was a 1969 graduate of Akron High School. He lived from 1970 to 1977 in Bloomington and St. Louis where he did sound engineering for many bands with his Econoline van. In 1977, he became a full-time employee of Day Hardware, working with his mom and dad.
He met Marianne Billman when she came to Akron. He was always a salesman and put on a suit and tie to introduce himself. After he left, Marianne knew he was the man she would marry. They married on July 11, 1987, in Fulton. Together they had a son, Patrick. He was a huge part of their lives. Patrick was a regular in the hardware working with his family. He loved when people would come in with questions and ask for Patrick.
He built his own home on generational family property. He loved going to gun and knife shows every year, where he had longtime friends. He also collected trains, fountain pens, and books. He enjoyed learning and sharing what he learned. He was the master of trivia. He memorized all the presidents and vice presidents. He knew Pi to 100 places. His Aunt Betty joked, “He remembered when he was in the womb.”
He was knowledgeable about Akron history and researched his family genealogy. He also enjoyed airstream vacations and riding his motorcycle. He made several trips to the NASCAR race in Talladega with numerous friends. He loved cooking and smoking meat, and liked to share recipes and talk about it. Over the years he also read to Akron Elementary School students.
Besides the hardware for 47 years, he served his community on the Henry Township Volunteer Fire Department since 1977, and had been chief of the department for several of those years. He was extremely proud of his years with the department and the men he served beside. He was instrumental in the purchase of trucks and equipment. The hardware was a 50 plus year member of “Do It Best”. He was also a member of the Akron United Methodist Church and Akron Chamber of Commerce, formerly of the Township Advisory Board and Akron Town Hall Building Corporation, and at one time managed the trailer park for his grandpa Bidwell.
He was very proud to live in Akron.
He is survived by his wife: Marianne Day, Akron; sister: Pam Vandermark, Akron; nieces and nephews, including Leann (John) Carr, Akron, David (Angela) Madeford, Akron; Scott (Tiffany) Cooksey, Akron; and Kevin (Carrie) Cooksey, Silver Lake; several great and great-great-nephews; cousins; and stepbrothers: David (Caren) Delp and John (Jennifer) Delp.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents; son: Patrick Day on Nov. 13, 2006; brother-in-laws: Joey Madeford and Jim Vandermark; and stepmother: Georgia Ann Day.
The funeral service will take place at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 18, at Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron, with Pastor David Eaton officiating.
The interment will take place in the Akron Cemetery, Akron.
Visitation hours will be held from 2-8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17, at Hartzler Funeral Home, 305 W. Rochester St., Akron. A fireman’s service will conclude the visitation at 8 p.m.
Memorial contributions can be made in his memory to the Henry Township Volunteer Fire Department or the Akron Cemetery Association.
Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron, is handling arrangements.