We mourn the passing of Douglas Michael Day, a beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend who passed away on March 27, 2023, at the age of 52. Known affectionately as “Mike,” he was born on May 14, 1971, in Point Pleasant, New Jersey.
Mike’s life was marked by his selfless dedication to helping and serving others. He spent 21 years in the military as a Navy SEAL, where he learned the values of discipline, hard work, and courage. Even after his retirement, Mike continued to serve his country and his fellow veterans as an advocate for wounded warriors, leaving a lasting impact on many lives. Mike was an amazing man, and the world has truly lost a hero. He was loved by many and will be missed deeply.
Left to cherish his loving memory is his wife, Brenda Day; children, Brittany Day, and Micaela Day along with mother, Judith Gordan; stepfather T.C. Gordan, siblings, Brain Day, Shaun Day, Tony Gordan, Jason Gordan, Ginny Welsh as well as many extended family members and friends.
His memory will be forever cherished, and his contributions to our country and his community will never be forgotten. Mike’s legacy will continue to inspire and impact countless lives.
My condolences to his family, friends, and teammates. I had the distinct honor of meeting Mike back in 1993 while deployed to NSWU-1 (Guam). He was a humble guy who had no problem making fun of himself, he was always joking around and pulling pranks. We surfed many great breaks there and became friends. When we returned to NAB Coronado we stayed in contact and surfed together in San Diego. I later transferred to other local commands and would run into him here and there, he never changed and always had time to stop and talk. My point to this is, he is a good man and my friend. I will miss him and wish his family God’s healing presence and power surround them. God Bless.
Commander James and Mrs Shannon McRandle
1 month ago
We are so very saddened by the loss of a father, husband, son, brother and friend. God bless you each and fill you with strength. He is at Peace in Heaven under God’s protection now. One day, we will all meet again in our true home and with our hearts bursting with joy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Clinton Caraway
1 month ago
I have just finished your autobiography for the second time on Audible and you inspire and touched me with your honesty and humbleness. Thank you for your service and may you find the peace in heaven that you so rightly deserve. To the Day family… may you find peace knowing Mike touched people he never knew.
Ernest C DAntonio
1 month ago
We did not know Sr Chief Day but heard about him through a friend. We are so very sorry for his passing. Such a warrior and hero! My wife and I have Gregorian Masses being said for Mike starting 18 April through 17 May. A mass will be said each day for Mike by the Franciscan Priests of the Seraphic Mass Association in Pittsburgh PA. Our prayers are with Mike and his family. With the deepest respect and sympathies, Ernest (and Marianne) D’Antonio, LtCol USMC (ret)
Dan Way
1 month ago
Just no words! Breaks my heart that our warrior and American hero struggled so. Speaking peace over the Day family.
Paul Roy
1 month ago
To the Day family,
May you find peace through this tragedy somehow. I am so sorry for your loss. My heart aches hearing this story and can only imagine your pain and emptiness. Please trust that the world is a better place through his life and what he stood for, and worked so hard to maintain. I hold deep respect for those and their families who place others before themselves and the support from their loved ones. May God bless you greatly and know there is a special place waiting for all of you on the other side.
Amy Markert
2 months ago
What an awful loss – Condolences to all who loved him, especially his family. This man touched so many. I had the honor of meeting him a couple of years ago and was just so impressed by his humility and kindness, despite his pain and suffering. Definitely an American hero. God bless.
Cheryl J Skinner Tri-State Military Museum
2 months ago
May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time,
May you come to know that the love of God is with you always,
May your memories of Douglas Michael Day, give you peace, comfort and strength…
Rest now in the arms of our Lord your mission on earth is complete.
I thank you for your service to our Country and my Freedom. You will not be forgotten.
My thoughts
and prayers to the family of ….
US Navy Veteran, Douglas Michael Day, is “A True American Hero” God Bless†
† Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 †
Jason Martinez
2 months ago
Thank you for your words about Mike. He was my roommate for our time at S.A.W. and the impact he made on me in a very short time will stay with me forever. He is a great man with a laugh I will not forget.
Rest peacefully warrior, you are our American hero
My condolences to his family, friends, and teammates. I had the distinct honor of meeting Mike back in 1993 while deployed to NSWU-1 (Guam). He was a humble guy who had no problem making fun of himself, he was always joking around and pulling pranks. We surfed many great breaks there and became friends. When we returned to NAB Coronado we stayed in contact and surfed together in San Diego. I later transferred to other local commands and would run into him here and there, he never changed and always had time to stop and talk. My point to this is, he is a good man and my friend. I will miss him and wish his family God’s healing presence and power surround them. God Bless.
We are so very saddened by the loss of a father, husband, son, brother and friend. God bless you each and fill you with strength. He is at Peace in Heaven under God’s protection now. One day, we will all meet again in our true home and with our hearts bursting with joy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
I have just finished your autobiography for the second time on Audible and you inspire and touched me with your honesty and humbleness. Thank you for your service and may you find the peace in heaven that you so rightly deserve. To the Day family… may you find peace knowing Mike touched people he never knew.
We did not know Sr Chief Day but heard about him through a friend. We are so very sorry for his passing. Such a warrior and hero! My wife and I have Gregorian Masses being said for Mike starting 18 April through 17 May. A mass will be said each day for Mike by the Franciscan Priests of the Seraphic Mass Association in Pittsburgh PA. Our prayers are with Mike and his family. With the deepest respect and sympathies, Ernest (and Marianne) D’Antonio, LtCol USMC (ret)
Just no words! Breaks my heart that our warrior and American hero struggled so. Speaking peace over the Day family.
To the Day family,
May you find peace through this tragedy somehow. I am so sorry for your loss. My heart aches hearing this story and can only imagine your pain and emptiness. Please trust that the world is a better place through his life and what he stood for, and worked so hard to maintain. I hold deep respect for those and their families who place others before themselves and the support from their loved ones. May God bless you greatly and know there is a special place waiting for all of you on the other side.
What an awful loss – Condolences to all who loved him, especially his family. This man touched so many. I had the honor of meeting him a couple of years ago and was just so impressed by his humility and kindness, despite his pain and suffering. Definitely an American hero. God bless.
May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time,
May you come to know that the love of God is with you always,
May your memories of Douglas Michael Day, give you peace, comfort and strength…
Rest now in the arms of our Lord your mission on earth is complete.
I thank you for your service to our Country and my Freedom. You will not be forgotten.
My thoughts
and prayers to the family of ….
US Navy Veteran, Douglas Michael Day, is “A True American Hero” God Bless†
† Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 †
Thank you for your words about Mike. He was my roommate for our time at S.A.W. and the impact he made on me in a very short time will stay with me forever. He is a great man with a laugh I will not forget.
Rest peacefully warrior, you are our American hero