Gerald “Jerry” F. Root Jr.

Jerry was born in Jamestown, NY, on January 8, 1944, to Gerald F. Root, Sr. and Mary Eleanor (Covert) Root. He was graduated from Falconer High School, Falconer, NY, in 1961 and received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1965 from Cortland College with a major in mathematics and a double minor in chemistry and physics. Jerry earned his Master of Science degree from The Ohio State University in 1967.

In 1968, he and Eileen moved to Springfield, MA, where Jerry began his teaching career at American International College. He also served as dean of men’s housing. In 1969 he was promoted to chairman of the mathematics department after the retirement of Harold Bowie. Jerry worked at AIC for thirty years in various roles that included professor of mathematics, assistant to the president for research and development of new programs, director of continuing education, and work with admissions and recruitment. In a hiatus from academia, Jerry worked for seven years at Cable Products (later known as Volex) as vice-president for engineering and quality control.

Upon retirement, Jerry volunteered at Bethlehem House, STCC, MCDI, and Pioneer Valley Free Health Services until its closure. He had hoped to become involved at Shriners Hospital, but his illness was diagnosed, and volunteer work was sidelined.

Jerry’s skills with wood-working ranged from home building and remodeling to furniture making. He made cradles and rocking ride-on toys for his grandchildren. Projects in recent years included bird feeders, bird houses, benches, and cutting boards. He enjoyed traveling in the United States and abroad, most recently taking a three month long cross-country trip with Eileen in 2018. Other hobbies included sawing down trees and splitting them into firewood, reading, Sudoku, playing Bananagrams with Eileen, and taking long walks around the Beaver Pond with Eileen and their beagle, Jack.

Jerry was pre-deceased by his parents, and by his son Paul.

He is survived by Eileen, his wife of 56 years; his sisters, Bobby Umstead of Randolph, NY, and Bonny Turner of Jamestown, NY; daughter Kirsten Root and grandsons Zavier and Max Nahas of Natick, MA; and son Nate Root (Jennifer) and granddaughters Loren and Mia Root of Sherborn, MA. He also leaves many cherished nieces and nephews and dear friends who have been in our corner through Jerry’s illness. Special thanks to Shelly Sears who has cared for Jack in her kennels during Jerry’s many clinic appointments and hospitalizations.

We want to thank Dr. Jacqueline Garcia, Mary Gerard, PA, and the staff at Dana Farber Cancer Institute, and Dr. Iyer and the staff at Sister Caritas Cancer Center for the wonderful care they all provided. Also, many thanks to the staff of Brigham and Womens Hospital and MercyMedical Center. Special thanks to Beacon Hospice staff for their compassionate care during the last three months.

Jerry really loved seeing people dressed in bright colors- his favorite color was yellow. Please feel free to dress brightly for his celebration of life.

The service will be November 18 at Forastiere Funeral Home, 220 N Main St, East Longmeadow, with visitation at 10 am, and celebration of life service and time of remembrance starting at noon.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to any of the following:Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215, Sister Caritas Cancer Center, 271 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104, St. Joseph’s Indian School, PO Box326, Chamberlain, SD 57326

For online condolences and directions, please visit forastiere.com.