Funeral services and a Mass of Christian Burial for Dick O’Day, 87, a resident of Davenport, will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17 (today), at Holy Family Catholic Church, Davenport. Burial will take place in the Rock Island National Cemetery, Arsenal Island. The family will greet friends from 4 until 7 p.m. at the Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home, downtown Davenport. Memorials may be made to Holy Family Parish, Trinity Pathway Hospice, and Alzheimer’s Association.
Mr. O’Day passed away Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018, at his home surrounded by his family.
Richard Louis O’Day was born on Jan. 31, 1931, at his family’s home in Davenport, a son of Gilbert and Augusta “Mary” (Wagner) O’Day. He was a proud west-ender! He served our country in the Army during the Korean War as part of the 15th Regiment 3rd Infantry Division.
Dick was united in marriage to Mary Morrissey on July 18, 1959, at St. Malachy’s Catholic Church in Geneseo. They have shared over 59 years of marriage together.
Dick drove a truck for Carstensen Freight Line and for many years Standard Oil Co., receiving the Million Mile Safe Driver Award. He also owned and operated Levee Bait & Tackle and worked for his son, Mike, at Hometown Heating and Plumbing.
Dick had an Irish wit, you always knew where you stood with him, as he wasn’t one to mince words. He was a talented athlete, winning a Golden Gloves Boxing championship at the age of 16, lying about his age so he could compete. He also was an accomplished fast pitch softball pitcher. Dick was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting and fishing and sharing that passion with his sons and grandsons. The O’Days also enjoyed their time at their cabin on Lake Kabetogama in Minnesota, and later their motorhome on Myrtle Lake in Orr, Minnesota.
Dick is survived by his loving wife, Mary, children and their spouses: Tammy O’Day, both of Davenport, Brian (Lori) O’Day, Eldridge, Bruce O’Day, Davenport, and Mike (Tracy) O’Day, Eldridge; grandchildren: Jason O’Day, Megan (Keith) Langreck, Caitlen, Breianna, Austin, and Ryan O’Day, Kyle (Katie) O’Day, Kollin, Korey, and Kolton O’Day; a sister, Mary Young, Davenport, and his canine companion, Bridget, who was always by his side.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Wally O’Day, Helen Miller, Eleanor O’Day, Shirley Platt, Pat Hansell, and Margie Ogden, and his best friend, Paul Fenn.
Online condolences and remembrances may be expressed to the family by visiting Dick’s obituary at www.hmdfuneralhome.com.
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