Legacy Project
Article by Archivist Br. Lawrence Stewart

July 20th

Brother Gonzaga (Thomas) Day, C.S.C.

Gonzaga was born and raised in Cleveland, OH, and entered Watertown, WI, in 1938. After profession, he served at Sacred Heart College then at Gilmour Academy, Gates Mills, OH, and in West Haven, CT. In 1951 he moved to Rome to work in the Procurator's Office for nearly four years. He returned in 1954 to teach at St. Edward High School, Lakewood, OH. In 1956 he became a member of the provincial council with responsibility of Mission Promoter. This work and love consumed the rest of his nearly 42 years of life. He was interested and adept at procuring and facilitating the shipment of needed supplies to the Brothers' schools in Ghana and Liberia as well as assisting bishops and clergy in fund-raising trips in the United States. In 1978 he became part of a community serving the needy in Harriman, TN. He founded the Seton Thrift and Friendship Store in a former hotel and was able to furnish it with goods collected around the country. His work was so successful that when moving to a larger facility, the local newspaper proudly proclaimed, "The Seton Thrift Store has moved to the former Miller Department Store, so says it's proprietor, Gazanda Bay." A serious bout with cancer nearly ended his life, but he recovered and continued working in Harriman for 16 more years. His booming voice, laughter and brilliant smile all displayed the inner richness of the soul and and generosity of this imposing man. By serving so faithfully those who served others overseas, he truly became a missionary to missionaries.