Chief Michael J. Day

PROVIDENCE - DAY, Deputy Assistant Chief Michael J., 49, of College Road, died Tuesday at Rhode Island Hospital after being stricken in Providence Fire Department Headquarters shortly after returning from a fire. He was the beloved husband of Cynthia L. (Plante) Day. They had been married for 22 years. Born in Providence, a son of the late Retired Providence Fire Department Lieutenant Frank J. and Barbara F. (Hoey) Day, he was a lifelong city resident. Chief Day was appointed to the Providence Fire Department on April 16, 1979. He worked his way up through the department, earning the rank of Lieutenant on September 29, 1989, the rank of Captain on June 29, 1995, and Battalion Chief on October 27, 2000. On June 30, 2005 he was named Deputy Assistant Chief of the Department. During the course of his career he was honored as Providence Firefighter of the Year in 1989, and was cited by the Department for meritorious service on five occasions. He was a graduate of LaSalle Academy. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education from R.I. College in 1980, and earned a second B.A. in Fire Science from Providence College in 1981. He was currently in the process of becoming an Executive Fire Officer, and had taken numerous courses at the National Fire Academy, including counter-terrorism and weapons of mass destruction training administered by the Department of Justice. He was a member of the Providence Firefighters Union, Local 799, Providence Permanent Fireman's Relief Association, and the R.I. Association of Fire Chiefs. He was a communicant of St. Pius V Church. He was very involved in the activities and events of his children. Besides his wife he leaves his four children, Michael J. Day, II, Amanda M. Day, Brianne E. Day, and Stephanie L. Day all at home; three brothers Frank J. Day Jr., of Providence and Green Hill, Peter E. Day (Ret. Prov. FD) of Cranston, and Stephen T. Day (Ret. Chief Superintendent -Prov. FD) of Providence; three sisters Maureen B. Lemieux and Jennifer A. Marran both in Wakefield, and Mary M. Grieco of Attleboro, a niece and eight nephews. He was the brother of the late Timothy J. Day (Prov. FD). His funeral will be Saturday at 8:00am from the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 331 Smith Street, Providence. Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am in St. Pius V. Church, Eaton Street, Providence. Burial will be in St. Ann Cemetery. Visitation Friday 3-8pm. In lieu of flowers donations to the St. Pius V Church Capitol Campaign, 30 Elmhurst Avenue, Providence, RI 02908 or the Deputy Assistant Chief Michael J. Day Memorial Fund, c/o Providence Firefighters Union Local 799, 92 Printery Street, Providence, RI 02904 in his memory will be appreciated.