Harold Eugene Root

Harold Eugene Root, 79, passed away on May 14, 2024, at the Luxe Rehabilitation Center in Jupiter Florida. Harold was married to Mary Lou Root (Bernardi). Harold and Mary Lou resided in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Harold was born in Monticello, Illinois on September 28, 1944. His parents were Robert and Mary Jane Root, last of Palm Beach Gardens. Harold’s early years were spent in Decatur, Illinois where his father was an electrician for A.E. Staley company and his mother was a stay-at-home mom. Harold was an active athletic child, excelling at basketball. Harold made the Decatur High School basketball team as a sophomore. The Decatur High School Running Reds were a noted basketball power in central Illinois. This led Harold to a life-long love of all sports, particularly cheering on his favorite teams: Miami Heat, Marlins, and Dolphins. Harold moved to Florida with his parents, 2 of his brothers and a sister in 1961 when Harold was 17. Harold enlisted in the Army in July of 1965 and was honorably discharged in July of 1967. Harold was in the Military Police unit at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. Harold married the love of his life, Mary Lou Bernardi, on September 21, 1968. They had a long and loving marriage living their entire marriage in north Palm Beach County. Harold and Mary Lou have one child, a son, Randy Thomas Root. Randy was and remained the focus of Harold and Mary Lou’s love and attention from the day he was born. Randy and his partner Sherry Jagoo have a daughter, Rene Sheila Root 6. Harold saw Rene often and she was the light of his life, and it was obvious to all that feeling was mutual. Harold is survived by a loving family, including his wife, Mary Lou Root (Bernardi) of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida and son Randy Thomas Root and partner Sherry Jagoo of West Palm Beach, Florida. His Sister, Mary Jane Root and husband David Sylvain of Lincolnville, Maine and Stuart Florida. His Brothers, Francis (Jack) Root and partner Karen Downey of Bethany, Illinois, Robert Root and wife Donna of Juno Beach, Florida, and David Root and wife Jody of Lewiston, Idaho. Harold is survived by one grandchild, Rene Sheila Root of West Palm Beach. Harold is also survived by nieces and nephews: Jackie Conlin, Tina Wall, Andy Root, Peter Root, Robin Taddonio, Elizabeth Root, Michelle Root, Michael Doolen, Mark Doolen, Kellie Doolen, Debbie Heagy, Cindi Lemm, Mathew Justine, and Brian Justine. He is also survived by grand nieces and nephews, and many cousins. Harold was preceded in death by both of his parents and an infant sister Linda Alyeen Root who passed away a few days after birth in 1968. Harold’s remains will be interred with military honors at the South Florida National Military Cemetery in Lantana, Florida on June 13th at 11 AM 6501 S. STATE ROAD 7, LAKE WORTH, FL 33467 Ceremony begins at 11am, please be in Lane 3 by 10:45am

Harold Eugene Root

September 28, 1944 - May 14, 2024