Mr. Harold T. Roots

Harold T. Roots, 97 years old, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 24, 2023, at the home of his son in Charlotte, North Carolina. Harold was born on August 6, 1926, to the late Robert and Ethly Roots. He grew up in Manhattan, New York, at 45 East 134th Street, affectionately called "Sugar Hill." He was the youngest of seven children who all preceded him in death. The Roots family moved to Corona, Queens, New York, and was one of the largest families in the area. Harold attained his education in East Elmhurst, Queens, New York. He attended Public School (PS) 127 and Newtown High School, where he learned to read music. He attended the New York College of Music and studied music arrangement. He also took a course in Head Start in Farmingdale, New York, and attended New York University for early childhood development. Harold worked at Kennedy International Airport for American Airlines on the 747 airplanes in the fleet service department. He would often play the piano on the plane in between flights. Harold was not one to mess with and did not care who you were. Harold was always proud to talk about an incident when he worked on the shipping docks in New York City. He was the only African-American man at the time, and on occasion, men would assess his strength. One day, he punched one of the leaders in the face. After that, they never bothered Harold again. He also worked on Wall Street for 16 years and at the Robert Hall clothing store in the men's department. He was a sharp dresser! Harold married his first wife, Jacqueline M. Roots, and they had their first son, Ronald H. Roots. Darlene Roots was born five years later. Harold later married Frances G. Roots, and their union lasted 57 years until her passing in 2015. They fostered two children, Gladys and Nina. Harold purchased his first two-family home with his older sister, Delores, and later purchased another home in Huntington, Long Island, New York, with his wife, Frances. After retirement from American Airlines, Harold spent his days serenading anyone who came to their home on his prized piano. Harold and Frances eventually moved to Johnson City, TN, where Frances' brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, brother-in-law, and sisters-in-law welcomed them until their untimely departure. He was always impressed with their loving relationships with the families of Tennessee and North Carolina. Harold was a jokester. He had an excellent memory and quick wit that made everyone laugh. If you weren't sharp, he would point to his head and say, "Think, think." The nurses often told him he was handsome, to which he replied, "Well, what can I tell you." After Frances' passing, he fondly enjoyed talking to Darlene's best girlfriends, whom he affectionately called the "Girls." One person he was quite smitten with was Tina Mitchell. They would attempt to outdo one another with their quick comments and jokes. All in fun, of course. The family would like to personally thank Stanley Parks and Rayetta Bachman for their faithful assistance after Frances' passing. Harold was incredibly grateful for their care as he lived alone until his passing. It was always our holiday tradition to visit Dad in Johnson City, TN, and sing along as he played our favorite songs on the piano. As always, Harold had a quick response. For instance, when his daughter-in-law teased him about dinner, he politely said, as he pointed towards the door, "Would you like to step outside." Harold T. Roots leaves behind his son, Ronald H. (Joanne) Roots; daughters, Darlene (Federico) Roots-Douglas and Gladys Blecher; grandsons, Selassie A. Douglas and Army, 1st Lt. Isaiah A. Douglas, a legacy of 13 grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews; and his childhood best friend, Charlie Morton. Harold will be remembered for his handsome appearance, witty comments, infectious laugh, and giving spirit.

Mr. Harold T. Roots

August 6, 1926 - November 24, 2023