William D. (“Bill”) Root, 77, a lifelong resident of Norwich, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, August 3, 2016 at Chenango Memorial Hospital with family by his side.
Born April 27, 1939, Bill was the son of Raymond and Barbara (Martin) Root. Bill was one of four boys. After graduating from Norwich High School, he attended Alfred State College to study horticulture. After college, Bill returned to his hometown of Norwich. He was also a gifted athlete during his younger years, and received awards for his wrestling skills. His children and grandchild have taken on his love for sports.
In his early working years, Bill worked at the Norwich Pharmaceutical company in Norwich. He then became a sheet metal worker at Unison, formally known as Simmons Precision, where he retired. Bill was also known for, and took pride in, his delicious sweet corn. Being a hard worker, Bill finished out his working career with Coach Master as a school bus driver. Bill was also a long-time member of the Norwich Fire Department.
On December 24, 1982, in Norwich, Bill married Barbara Stoddard. Together, they proudly made two families into one, which includes seven children. In addition to his wife, Barbara, Bill is survived by children Terri Stoddard, of Virginia, Tim Stoddard, Mark Root, Tracey Evans-Ventura (Sam), Tamara Yacano (James), Thomas Stoddard (Lynda), and Lisa Rifanburg (Keith), each of Norwich. He is also survived by grandchildren Rose Boshell, Tyler Stoddard, Nicole Stoddard, Kristin Stoddard, Stephanie Root, Ryan Evans, Andrew Evans, Courtney Nichols, Erica Nichols, Lily Stoddard, Abigail Rifanburg, Levi Rifanburg, Blaine Rifanburg, Matthew Yacano, and Zachary Yacano; brother Richard Root; and several nieces and nephews. Bill was predeceased by his parents and brothers Thomas Root and John Root.
Funeral services for Bill were held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 6, 2016, at the Wilson Funeral Home, where the Rev. Jen Westervelt, pastor, Canasawacta Valley Free Methodist Church, officiated. Friends were invited to call at the funeral home on Saturday from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Burial took place at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, August 8, 2016, at Mt. Hope Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Bill’s memory to the Canasawacta Valley Free Methodist Church, 4299 State Highway 23, Norwich, NY 13815 or the Norwich Fire Department, Ontario Hose #3, 31 East Main Street, Norwich, NY 13815.
To leave the family a message of condolence, please visit the funeral home website at: www.wilsonfh.com.