June Day

Mrs. June Bernice Day, 95, of Oak Ridge, passed away peacefully in her home on Monday, July 7, 2025.

“Junebug,” as she was known by loved ones, was born June 30, 1930 in Paterson, NJ to parents Margie and John O’Brien. Sister to John, Jane, and Joseph, June graduated from Benedictine Academy High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Panzer College.

While vacationing in Bermuda one summer, June was swept off her feet by her future husband, Earl E. Day (of Oklahoma). Earl was a diver for the US Navy at the time and was stationed in Bermuda. Their chance meeting kicked off a life-long love between the couple, who were married for over 50 years.

June was a mother to four loving children – Michael, Patricia, Christopher and Timothy – and supported them throughout their numerous moves across the United States. Earl’s Navy career took the family of six to Virginia, Hawaii, and California, where they had many adventures together. Eventually they settled in Wayne, NJ to be closer to June’s family.

While in Wayne, June continued her career as a physical education teacher, which she began while in California. She taught at Schuyler-Colfax Middle School and later Wayne Valley High School for over 30 years. June’s college education and long career were significant achievements at a time when relatively few mothers pursued careers outside the home.

As June’s children grew up, she had more time to explore her hobbies and interests outside of parenting and work. She was known for her knitting and needlework, making countless sweaters for loved ones through the years. She was also an accomplished golfer and tennis player who enjoyed antiquing, and later in life, jigsaw puzzles. Anyone who knew June will remember her extensive collection of pig figurines, keepsakes and other items, which she accumulated over the years.

June’s children and grandchildren will always remember her unmatched Thanksgiving family dinners, where she tirelessly hosted holiday gatherings for 20+ people for more than two decades. Despite their best efforts, no one has been able to replicate her recipes for stuffing or apple pie, which were unparalleled. Although, if you asked Earl, the pie was “all about how you sliced the apples.”

June loved to laugh and enjoy time with friends. Throughout her retirement, she made many close friends with neighbors living in the Fairways Community. She deeply valued these relationships and kept up with regular card games with friends until her passing. Parties at June’s house were always filled with music – preferably Frank Sinatra – shrimp cocktail, and a Manhattan or two for good measure. She maintained her wit and sense of humor until she passed.

June was a devout Catholic and longtime member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Oak Ridge, NJ. She prayed the rosary regularly and put her faith into practice by supporting causes that were meaningful to her. She spent many years volunteering for Meals on Wheels and also supported the Jefferson Township Rescue Squad with numerous donations over the years.

June is survived by many loving family members, including: her son Michael Day, his wife Lori (Forked River, NJ), and their children Michael Day, Rebecca Day, Brian Day, and Matthew Day; her daughter Patricia Teeling, “favorite son-in-law” Robert (Dumfries, VA), and their daughter Erin Scronce; their son Christopher Day, his wife Marilyn (Lebanon, PA) and their children Lauren Havens and Steven Day; and her loving niece Mary Potosnak (Vernon, NJ), husband Joe and children Jennifer, John and Caitlin. She was predeceased by her husband, Earl, and her son Timonthy, who had three children, Kristina Diglio, Meghan Porter, and Kelsey Belz. June also earned the distinction of “GG” for 12 great-grandchildren.  June was also predeceased by her three siblings John, Jane, and Joseph.

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In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Jefferson Township Rescue Squad, PO Box 300, Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849.