William Day

Father William (Bill) F. Day, USN Retired, born February 9 , 1946 in Philadelphia, PA ; deceased October 2, 2025 in Phoenix, AZ.

Father Bill was preceded in death by his father, James C. Day in 1981; his mother, Elizabeth Sarah (Ward) Day, in 1978; and his brother, James William Day, in 1993

Father Bill, before becoming a priest, served as a US Navy Corpsman from July 1965 to July 1979. He achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer, serving with distinction throughout his Navy career. During the Vietnam War he served with the US Marines as a medic and was affectionately know as "Little Doc." He was awarded numerous commendations and medals, among which were Two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star with Combat Valor. He also received The Presidential Service Certificate for service to the President at the White House and Camp David.

Chief Petty Officer William Day, after leaving military service in 1979, entered the Catholic Seminary with hopes of becoming a Catholic Priest. Father William Day was ordained a Catholic Priest on June 28, 1986 for the Diocese of Gallup, New Mexico, which serves seven major Native American Reservations in New Mexico and Arizona.

Father Bill had multiple assignments over 39 years of priesthood. These included both pastorates and diocesan assignments in both New Mexico and Arizona. He served as a Catholic Pastor in the White Mountains at St. Mary of the Angels Catholic Parish in Pinetop; at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Parish in Overgaard; and as Parochial Vicar at St. Rita Catholic Parish in Show Low.

Fr. Bill was known for his love of his animals. His dogs and cats were his constant companions.

Fr. Bill was beloved by so many in the Catholic Community and the White Mountain Community at Large. He will be dearly missed and never forgotten. May he rejoice forever in the Kingdom of God.

There will be a viewing and Vigil for Fr Bill at 6:00 pm, Friday Oct 10th, at St Ritas Catholic Church in Show Low, AZ. The funeral will take place the following day, Oct 11th at St. Rita Church, beginning with a rosary at 10:30 am and Funeral Mass at 1:00 am, celebrated by Bishop James S. Wall and the priests of the Diocese of Gallup.

Interment will be at the Columbarium at St Mary of the Angels in Pinetop at 1:00 pm on Thursday, October 16, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Anthony Catholic School.