Richard C. Day

SOUTH BARRE - Richard Cleon Day, a long-time resident passed away on Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at the age of 75.

He was born in Barre Town on August 17, 1944, the son of the late Cleon Day and Florence (Borry) Day.  Ricky attended both Barre City and Barre Town Schools. After his father's death in 1956 he was raised by his aunt Blanche Borry and uncle Arthur Remillard.

Ricky graduated from Spaulding High School in 1962. After graduation he joined the United States Air Force and was stationed at Loring Air Force base in Limestone, Maine as a jet engine mechanic for the 27th Fighter Interceptor Squadron.  He always said the best thing that happened to him was being stationed at Loring and meeting and marrying his wife and mother of his three children Yvette Levasseur of Green River, New Brunswick, Canada.  He loved her family tremendously and always said they welcomed him as one of their own.  After being discharged from the United States Air Force Ricky spent one year in Lawrence, Massachusetts and three and one-half years in Winsted, Connecticut.  In 1970 he made his permanent home with his family in South Barre, Vermont.

He worked for Dessureau Machine shop as a welder, machinist, and foreman until his retirement in August of 2006.

Ricky Day lived a great life.  He was a very friendly guy who was not afraid to talk to anyone, which is why he made so many friends over the years. In his early adult years, he spent most of his free time socializing. He was never one to turn down an invite and loved to entertain at his home as well. Many weeks after Friday night bowling he would invite friends over for late night festivities including music, drinking and cheffing up food. It was like he never wanted the fun to end!

Ricky loved everything about the outdoors. Going to camp in Pittsburgh, NH was his favorite place to be and hunting and fishing topped the list of favorite things to do.  As he became older and unable to do much of these activities he switched his priorities to his grandchildren - teaching them the skills he had learned over the years.  Nothing gave him more joy than to see one of them catch a fish or “bag a buck”!

Ricks last years consisted of trips to Dunkin Donuts with “the guys”.  They spent the mornings figuring out the world over coffee. He would always look forward to teaching them something he learned on TV the night before, whether they wanted to hear it or not!  If he wasn't busy helping someone out, he would drive around town monitoring any construction projects going on before heading home for a good long nap.

Survivors include his love and partner in life for 23 years, Charlene Nadeau and her children Sandy, Elaine, and Jimmy; his children David Day and companion, Shellie and daughter Haley; Kevin Day and companion, Tanya Day and children Chandler and Christian; and daughter Danielle Gingras and her husband, Glenn and children Colby and Lauren; his brother Roger Day and his sister Diane Delong; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife Yvette Levasseur; his half-brothers Robert Day, Clifton (Bud) Day, Gerald Day, and Clarence (Joe) Day; his half-sisters Jeannie Long and Francis Trudell; and his cousin Sonny Bowen who was like a brother to him.

A Celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, November 30, 2019 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the Barre American Legion Post #10, 320 North Main Street, Barre. There are no calling hours.

Later inurnment will take place in St. Sylvester’s Cemetery in Lower Websterville in the Spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society – Vermont Chapter, 55 Day Lane, Williston, VT 05495.

Rick specifically said to end his obituary with a personal quote … “It's been one hell of a ride!”