Donald E. Day, 67, of Sodus Point, NY died Thursday, November 19, 2015. Don was born October 2, 1948 in Springville, NY, the son of Hyland Day, Jr. and the late Dorothy Faust Day of Arcade, NY.
Don was a graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology with a Bachelor's of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Don grew up on a family farm in Arcade, NY. In his early years, Don was a Development Engineer at Eastman Kodak Company where he holds several patents. He then became a professor at Monroe Community College where he was the chairman of Mechanical Technology and started their Applied Technology Center.
In 1997, he started Tec-Ease, Inc. with his daughter Wendy. Through Don's hard work, knowledge, teaching ability and humor, Tec-Ease has grown to be a worldwide training company, supplying not only training, but training materials to companies in the area of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing.
Don was an active member of the American Society for Quality and the American Society for Mechanical Engineers (ASME). As a member of the ASME, Don helped write several national standards.
Don was an avid sailor and boatman. In the summer months, he could be seen on Sodus Bay in a boat, either power or sail. He also enjoyed golfing. Don made friends everywhere he went and has many worldwide.
A fan of Jimmy Buffet and painkiller drinks, Don loved to entertain family and friends. His family was of the utmost importance to Don and he instilled in them his values and passions.
Don is survived by his daughters, Tammy (Michael) Schultz of Kaukauna, WI and Wendy (David) Patterson of Fredonia, NY; one brother, Roger Day of Arcade, NY; three granddaughters, Cassidy Vianese, Alyssa Vianese and Kelsey Vianese; and two grandsons, Ben Schultz and Tony Schultz. He is also survived by Judy Day of Sodus Point; a stepson, Erik (Heather) Hargrave of Ontario, NY; a stepdaughter, Amy (Steve) Wehrspann of Pittsburgh, PA; four stepgrandsons, Tyler Okonsky, Adam Wehrspann, Alex Wehrspann and Sawyer Hargrave; and two stepgranddaughters, Erika Hargrave and Sarah Wehrspann; along with several nieces and nephews.
Services will be held Tuesday, November 24 at Hope Lutheran Church, 2 East Main St., Arcade, NY. Visitation hours will be from 10:30 a.m to 12:30 p.m., with funeral services starting immediately after. A luncheon will follow the funeral. Please wear your island attire and bring your favorite stories and jokes.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sodus Bay Junior Sailing Association, 7433 Clover St., Sodus Point, NY 14555.
Arrangements by the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home.
Obituary from the Observer
