By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews
AKRON — Joe Day “was just a very community-oriented person,” said T.J. DuBois.
Rochester Assistant Fire Chief and soon-to-be Chief DuBois spoke of fellow firefighter Day of Akron, who passed away in January at age 72.
Day is being posthumously honored by his hometown as the grand marshal of the Akron 4th of July parade, which begins at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 4, and runs down Rochester and Mishawaka streets.
The Akron 4th of July committee chose the theme of “A Good Day” for the parade and festival in recognition of Day.
In a statement, the committee described Day as “a staple at his family business, Day Hardware, and a member of the Henry Township Volunteer Fire Department for over 47 years.”
“One of Joe’s favorite things to say when someone would end their conversation together with ‘Have a good day,’ would be ‘I am a good Day,’” the statement also said. “If you knew Joe, he thoroughly loved this community, and every day here was a ‘good day.’”
The committee asked that “organizations, businesses, churches, schools and individuals … build floats, decorate cars, golf carts or UTVs or dress in costumes representing what a ‘good day’ in Akron looks like to you as we remember Joe Day!”
DuBois referred to Day as “the legend,” which he said was what other area firefighters called him. DuBois knew Day for 25 years, with his father Mike DuBois having done firefighter training with Day.
T.J. said Day, who’d served as Henry Township’s fire chief in the past, was extremely knowledgeable, both regarding firefighter training and other facts. He also was humble, as T.J. said Day was willing to learn new skills needed for firefighting to help his community.
Day also helped his community by doing such things as reading to kids at Akron Elementary School.
Tippecanoe Valley School Corp. Superintendent Blaine Conley called Day “larger than life.”
“His unwavering dedication and love for the community touched countless lives,” said Conley of Day. “He made Akron a better place by his service and leadership in the fire department and numerous organizations. His legacy will forever inspire us to continue his tradition of caring and community.”
Day’s sister Pam Vandermark noted it’s appropriate he’s being honored as the grand marshal as Day was involved with the Akron 4th for many years.
“For many years Joe drove a firetruck in the parade with his son, Patrick, by his side,” she said. “From the parade, he and all the firemen would begin to set up the fireworks. Until recent years, they would set up and set off the fireworks.”
“Our family had a large part in the 4th celebration for many years, and our whole family is very proud to have the 4th parade theme in honor of Joe,” added Vandermark.
