Howard Root Jr.

Stonington — Howard F. Root Jr. M.D. of Stonington died on Tuesday, July 11, 2017, at his home in Stonington.

He leaves his children, Susan Root of Newtonville, Mass., Paul Root of New London and Martha (Root) Bartman and her daughter, Tabitha Bartman, of Douglasville, Pa.

He was predeceased by a sister, Sister Maria Root; and a brother, Stephen Root.

Dr. Root was born in Boston, Mass., the son of Howard F. Root Sr. M.D. and Hester (King) Root.

After an early education in the Brookline schools, he went on to complete his studies at the Milton Academy, Harvard College and Tufts Medical School. Further training was acquired at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, N.Y., Mary Hitchcock Clinic in Dartmouth, N.H. and the U.S. Navy.

Howard met the first love of his life, Doris (Mars) Root, in 1953. They were married for 51 years and she was the mother of their children.

After two years’ practice in North Adams, Mass., Dr. Root joined the staff at New Britain General Hospital, New Britain, where he remained in active practice until his retirement in 1992.

While there, he achieved the status of senior attending radiologist and was a member of several professional societies including the A.M.A., the Connecticut State Medical Society, the New Britain Medical Society, the American Roentgen Ray Society and the American College of Radiology.

While living in New Britain, Dr. Root served the hospital community in many different roles. He served as chairman of the Department of Radiology from 1969 to 1975 and thereafter was instrumental in organizing the professional staff into its form as a partnership. He served on various staff committees including the staff executive committee, the medical records committee and, for a short time, on the public relations committee of the State Medical Committee.

Outside the hospital, Dr. Root served as chairman for the board of deacons of The First Church of Christ, as president of the New Britain Chapter of the American Cancer Society, and as a board member and president of the Symphony Society. He held an appointment as assistant clinical professor at UConn Medical School and served two terms on the board of education and on the board of health.

After his retirement to Groton, Dr. Root served on various committees of the United Way and gave time to the American Cancer Society as well as CONTACT, a telephone-based support group. He served several terms on the Ledge Light Health District and on the board of Mumford Cove Association.

His second love of his life, Rhoda (Hopkins) Root, predeceased her husband as well. They had lived in Mumford Cove, Bishops Cove and Stonington.

A celebration of life will be held in the Mystic/Noank area at a date and time to be published in a future edition.

Byles-Groton Memorial Home, 310 Thames St., Groton (www.byles.com) is assisting his family with the arrangements.