In Memory: Eugene 'Gene' Day, Firefighter & Family Man

PACIFICA, CA — Eugene Albert Day, (1938-2019) of Pacifica, a former inspector for the Pacifica Fire Department and the Presidio Fire Department's assistant chief, passed away peacefully at 81 years old, surrounded by his loving family, on Aug. 11 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Known as “Gene” or “Geno,” Day was a familiar face around Pacifica, where he lived since 1970 and joyfully raised his family, often seen walking around town or in the park, always enjoying a nice cup of coffee and a good crossword puzzle at the Park Mall deli in the mornings.

Day was born Jan.27, 1938 in Hollywood, raised at the Mission Orphanage in San Diego and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at a mere 17 years old, where he served with distinction for 28 years.

In his civilian years, he joined the Presidio Fire Department where he served for 22 years, retiring in 1988 as the assistant fire chief.

But always full of energy and looking to serve, he then accepted a role as fire inspector for the Pacifica Fire Department for the next 14 years.

"He was very proud of his service, and intent on making a difference in the world. He loved helping others and touched the lives of so many, making many friends along the way," his family said.

But of all accomplishments in his life, he was most proud of the family he built.

Eugene leaves behind his devoted and loving wife, Cecelia Day, as well as his children, Kevin (Tracy), Michael (Christine), Heidi (Zane), Ray (Tina) and David (Brenda).

He was predeceased by his son Terry. He is survived by his brother, Tom (and Sophie), and his sister, Grace. He was an adoring grandpa and enjoyed every minute with his grandchildren - Marina, Lindsay, Emily, Cortez, and Zoe. He also is survived by many nieces and nephews, who span the United States from California to Maine, and he always enjoyed traveling to visit them.

Eugene was a devout man, a longtime parishioner of St. Peter Parish in Pacifica and active in the Men’s Club.

Day's passions included the military and U.S. history, and he enjoyed lengthy conversations "with anyone" about war and politics, his family said.

A world traveler, Day and his wife visited nearly every country across the globe during their years together, he loved recounting stories about their travels.

Cecelia and Gene also remodeled a second home in Ramona, S.D., the town where “Celia” was raised, and they spent a good portion of the year there. Gene became not only the "handyman" for the town, but even a bartender when the bartender couldn’t make into work.

Eugene had a productive life full of love, joy and service to others, and he will be missed by the many people whom he touched.

Day chose to be cremated and buried in Ramona, S.D.

Services will be held in Pacifica on Saturday, Sept. 7 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Peter Parish at 700 Oddstad Blvd., and all are welcome to a following reception at the facility, the family said.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in his honor be made to the Rebuilding Together Peninsula 841 Kaynyne St. Redwood City, CA 94065 or Missionary of Charity Gift of Love 160 Milagra Dr. Pacifica, CA 94044