Ronald Richard Root

Ronald Root, 81, of Wolcott, N.Y. (formerly of Trumansburg) passed away, after a brief illness, Wednesday, December 7th, at home surrounded by his family.  

Ronnie was born, August 11, 1941 in the city of Ithaca, NY.  He was the son of the late Richard S. and Helen Hewlett Root.  On November 10th, 1962, he married his Honey, Beatrice Benham Root.  They just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

In addition to his wife, Ronnie is survived by his son, Ronald Richard Root, Jr. of Trumansburg, and his daughter, Kimberly Root (James) Oaks of Eldora, Iowa; Grandson Justin Root of Rochester and Justin’s mother, JoAnn Root of Trumansburg; Granddaughter Rachel (Dalton) Luce of Eldora, Iowa.

Ronnie is also survived by his great grandchildren:  Kylee, Maliky, Cameron, Brooklyn, Mackaelynn, Keyson, Quinn, Lynch and Joshua, plus his great great grandchildren Waylon and Wyatt.

Ronnie’s siblings are Roger Root of Canandaigua and Sandra Lewis of Syracuse.  Also surviving is his Aunt Louise Walter of Cayuga.

Ronnie is also survived by three sisters in law, Joan Root and Peg Benham, both of Trumansburg, and Marion (Stephen) Case of Union Springs.    Ronnie is survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.  He’s also survived by lifelong hunting and fishing friend, Corky Cansdale.    

Besides his parents, Ronnie was predeceased by his brother Ralph “Pork” Root of Interlaken, his grandson David Oaks of Ocala, FL, brother in law, Carlton Benham of Trumansburg, and several “brother-like” friends, Dickie, Dan, Jeff, Philly, Dale and Terry.

Ronnie was employed by McGuire & Bennett for many years and Cornell University at the Statler Hotel for the last 5 years before retiring.  He had an eye for colors and was one of the best to ever work a brush.  He was a union painter for over 35 years.

For 18 years, Ron and Bea chartered on Lake Ontario.  Fishing was his passion and he lived it every day.  He was the best that ever Captained a boat.  There were many satisfied clients through the years. 

Special hunting and fishing trips with his wife and son included the 1000 Islands, Wyoming, the Dakota’s, Montana, as well as fishing trips with his buddies to Canada.

Ron and Bea wintered in Frostproof, Florida where they made many lifelong friends.  Ron was always known for his neighborhood “fish fries” with his neighbors.

A memorial service will be held December 17th, 2022, at the Half Acre Union Church, Auburn, NY.  Visitation with the family will start at 10:00 a.m. and the service will begin at 11:00.  Pastor Harry Dow will officiate.  Funeral arrangements are by the Brew Funeral Home in Auburn, NY.  In lieu of flowers, one can make a donation to the Red Creek Conservation Club, 6924 Waters Road, Red Creek, NY in memory of Ronnie.

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