Patrick Joseph Day, 80, of Gainesville, Florida, passed away on September 17, 2025, after an extended illness.

Born in Norfolk, Virginia, Patrick was an only child raised in DeLeon Springs, Florida.  He enjoyed time as a teenager in Bogota, Columbia where he became fluent in Spanish.  Later in life he enjoyed anything to do with most German cars and was known to have "the knack" for tinkering. Patrick also enjoyed reading, going to gun ranges with friends, time at the springs and rivers around Gainesville, chocolate-dipped ice cream cones, and had a heart for animals, veterans, and our country. He was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church and worked for the University of Florida for more than 30 years at the J. Wayne Reitz Union. He also received his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Florida.

Patrick is survived by his four children, Michelle Crocker of Gainesville, Florida, Michael Day of Savannah, Georgia, Arlene (Clinton) McCreary of Palm Bay, Florida, and Wendy (Warren) Bingham of Winter Garden, Florida; his twelve grandchildren; six great-grandchildren (with another great-grandchild on the way).

Patrick was predeceased in death by his wife of 57 years, Melanie (Walter) Day; and his parents Paul Joseph Day & Edna (Markert) Day Gilley.

A viewing will be held at the Chapel located at DeLand Memorial Gardens in DeLand, Florida on Saturday, October 11 at 10:00 am followed by a graveside gathering at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Best Friends Animal Society , Gary Sinise Foundation , Pro Life Across America , or the National Rifle Association .