"Rick" Richard Stephen Day

Richard Stephen Day, affectionately known as Rick, was born on December 13, 1965, in Tacoma Park, Maryland. He passed away on February 7, 2025, in Reston, Virginia, after a brief illness. Rick’s life was one filled with compassion, humor, art, and will have a lasting impact on those around him.

Growing up in Arlington, Virginia, Rick attended Long Branch Elementary, Thomas Jefferson Junior High, and W-L High School. He played football and baseball starting at a young age, and helped in his grandfather’s NAPA auto parts store. As a result, his love for sports and cars was born.

Rick made meaningful contributions throughout his professional career. He spent five years as a stone carver, alongside his close friend Andy, at Columbia Gardens Cemetery, engraving and installing stonework at Arlington National Cemetery, government buildings, and universities. Rick worked in the telecommunications sector as a Network Circuit Designer at Cable & Wireless. His dedication and hard work continued as he served as a TSA agent, earning a Perfect Attendance award. Most notably, Rick found fulfillment as a Financial Specialist with the Environmental Protection Agency, where he distinguished himself by earning both Bronze and Gold medals for exceptional service.

Rick's academic journey culminated in earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Shepherd University, which became the foundation for his future endeavors. At Shepherd, he was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity and even tried his hand at acting, having a small role and solo in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat.” Rick was a loving son, brother, and uncle. He is survived by his father, Steve Day; his sister, Stephanie Day Banton; his brother, Timothy Day; and his brother-in-law, Rich Banton. He is also remembered fondly by his nieces, Maya Virginia and Jamison Grace, along with numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Rick’s extended family will always treasure the many Surfside Beach vacations together…spanning decades! It remained one of his favorite places throughout his lifetime and he was recently able to make the trip one last time. 

Rick’s personality shone brightly—he was known for his kindness, caring nature, and sense of humor that made him easy to talk to and connect with. Rick was a passionate supporter of the Washington Commanders, Nationals, and Capitals, and an avid collector of sports memorabilia. He enjoyed listening to classic rock (U2, Foo Fighters & Pearl Jam among his favorites) and just recently started learning how to play the guitar. Cars were another passion of his, especially corvettes, mustangs and BMWs. He loved talking sports and cars with anyone he encountered. Rick loved reminiscing and reconnecting with family and old friends from all over the country through social media.

A burial service will be held at Columbia Gardens Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia on March 1, 2025 at 11:00 AM (Please line up in the front entrance of the cemetery). Following the burial, all are invited to join the family for a reception at the American Legion Post 85, 919 N. Kansas ST, Arlington from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. 

Rick leaves behind a legacy that will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. He is preceded in death by his beloved mother, Virginia Foley Morris; his stepfather, Ernie Morris; and his grandparents, James & Evelyn Foley, and Page & Betty Jo Day. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Rick’s name to the American Red Cross or Pasadena Humane.