Donald E. Root

GREECE - February 2, 2021. Don is predeceased by his wife Theresa Root; great-great granddaughter, Leilani Quinn Ramsey. He is survived by his children, Douglas (Cheryl) Root, Jeffrey (Donna) Root, Gail (Richard) Cox & Carol (Mark Barbosa) Richardson; 23 grandchildren; 56 great-grandchildren; 10-great-great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, cousins & dear friends. 

Don's services were private. He has been laid to rest in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Greece Chamber Charitable Foundation, C/O Daniel E. Richardson Memorial Fund, 2402 W. Ridge Rd., Roch, NY 14626 in Don's memory. 
 
Donald Elwin Root was born in Rochester, NY April 4, 1926 to his parents, Leon George Root (1892-1927) and Elsie Carolina Tesch (1895-1973). Donald and his siblings grew up in Penfield, He had three brothers, Harold Gordon Root, Richard Leon Root, Leon Paul Root; two sisters, Laura Eleanor Root Labarr & Betty Edwina Root Lee. 

When Donald was 1 year old, his father passed away from pneumonia and after attending Penfield schools, he unfortunately had to quit to help his family survive. 
At age 18, he joined the US Navy and was part of the Navy Merchant Marines, stationed on a ship his duty was a gunner, He traveled to many different countries in the world from April 1944 to June 1946. 

After returning from the service he worked as a skate instructor at a local roller skating rink. While he was working he met the love of his life, Theresa Pauline Barnett. 
They married November 25, 1948, Thanksgiving Day. Their "song" was 'It had to be you' by Frank Sinatra.  Together they had four children, Douglas, Gail, Jeffrey & Carol. 

Don worked at Kodak for 38 years but also volunteered with the Barnard Fire Dept from 1957- 1977. He played drums in the Barnard Band and marched in every parade. He also framed houses and had a small side business of rolling lawns. 

He loved to paint pictures and cook things like spaghetti, which he referred to as "sperghetti", he canned sauerkraut, pickles and green tomatoes. He enjoyed playing cards and showing off his card tricks or magic tricks. He and his family loved to go camping and on family vacations. He collected pins and hats throughout his life. 
Don became a member of the Monroe County Honor Guard and belonged to the American Legion in Greece, NY. 

IN 2006, Don's great love passed away. He stayed in his condo for a few more years but eventually moved to the Greece Atria and then onto Latta Road Nursing Home West. 
He loved to sing Jitter Bug and many other songs or tell his jokes that everyone loved. Don will be greatly missed by his family and friends.