NORWICH – John B. “Jack” Root, 66, of Norwich, passed away with his family by his side on Sunday morning, Sept. 2, 2012, in the Wilson Hospital of Johnson City, after a courageous battle with COPD.
John was born in Norwich on May 15, 1946, the son of Raymond and Barbara Martin Root. He grew up in Norwich and was a 1965 graduate of the Norwich High School. He wrestled all through High School. His working career began in the Syracuse area where he first worked for Syroco, Crucible Steel and then Manlius Publishing Company. In 1978, Jack and his wife Debbie moved back to Norwich where he gained employment with the former GLA and it’s successors, retiring from Unison Industries, a division of General Electric, after 31 years of service.
First and foremost, John was a family man. His wife, children, and especially his grand- children whom he loved to spoil, and his canine friend Maggie, meant the world to him. He enjoyed watching his son’s wrestling matches, as he was growing up and attended his Grandchildren’s sports and school activities until his health made it impossible for him to attend. During the holidays, John not only tried, but succeeded, in making every Christmas magical for his family. Over the years John enjoyed camping and traveling with his wife and family. He could often be found relaxing at the beach, swimming, playing cards, taking a chance on the lottery, and even an occasional trip to the casino. John was a great conversationalist who could strike up a conversation with anyone. He liked working outdoors in his garden and his small fruit orchard. He would often donate his extra produce to Roots and Wings. John was a sports enthusiast who enjoyed the Syracuse games and the B-Mets.
In June of 1969 in Baldwinsville, John married his true love, Deborah Crump. Besides his wife Debbie, John is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Pamela and Rodney Becker; his son, Robert Root and his companion Sheryl Oglesby; and his granddaughters, Sami Root, Jaci Root and Katie Becker, all of Norwich. Also surviving are his brothers, William (Bill) Root and wife Barbara of Norwich and Richard Root of Palatka, FL. His great uncle Neil, and several uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews also survive. John was predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law, R.Thomas and Sallie Root.
A funeral service for John will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday from the R. J. Fahy Funeral Home. The Rev. Ken Fallon, pastor of the Crossroads Community Church of Sherburne, will officiate. Interment will follow in the Mt. Hope Cemetery.
Friends may call at the R. J. Fahy Funeral Home on Friday from 3-5 p.m. and again on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m.
Please consider memorial contributions to the American Diabetes Association, Syracuse, NY Office, 6390 Fly Road, 2nd Floor, East Syracuse, NY 13057 or to the Chenango Health Network. This group, which works with youngsters to discourage cigarette and tobacco use, was dear to John’s heart. Checks may be made payable to the Chenango Health Network, The Eaton Center, 19 Eaton Avenue, Norwich, NY 13815.