Willis D. Day

Willis D. Day, 87, of Camillus, passed away Monday, April 14, 2014 at University Hospital. Born in Camden, he lived in Mexico, Fort Plain and Jordan before moving to Camillus in 1983. He was a graduate of Fort Plain High School and attended Niagara University where he studied cryptology. He was an Army Air Corps veteran of World War II. Willis was employed with Dairylea for 45 years, retiring as vice president in January of 1995 and previously worked for Beech-Nut. He was active with the Boys Scouts of America and was an active member of Jordan United Methodist Church. Willis was a lover of animals and the outdoors. He especially loved the Adirondacks, camping, canoeing, gardening and taking care of his lawn. He also enjoyed woodworking, and spending time with his family. Willis was predeceased by his first wife, Marilyn Day; brother, Chapman; and sisters, Anne Slavic and Wilma Turner. Surviving are his wife of 33 years, the former Margaret Piraneo; daughter, Sharilyn Knowles of Winter Springs, FL; son, Kevin (Rebecca) Day of Old Tappan, NJ; stepsons, Steven Rosato of Miami, FL and Michael (Lauren) Rosato of Kings Park, Long Island; sister, Margery Moyer of Clayton, NC; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. There will be no calling hours. Funeral services will be Saturday, April 26 at 9 a.m. in Immanuel United Methodist Church, 303 Kasson Rd., Camillus. Willis will be laid to rest in Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Francis House, 108 Michaels Ave., Syracuse, NY 13208.