George N. Root, III

George N. Root III, of Lockport, passed away March 7, 2019 at Roswell Park in Buffalo with his family’s love shining brightly on him. Born August 13, 1967, George was a big man with a big heart. Everyone who knew George knew that he would do anything he could to help them when the need arose.

As an artistic soul, George’s interests included performing Pink Floyd music with his tribute bands, writing stories on his own or with his friends, creating the podcast, Shenanigans, or making videos of his friends from the Lockport Express hockey team. He regularly contributed his popular columns to the Union-Sun & Journal, East Niagara Post, All WNY News, and Niagara’s Watercooler, of which he was a co-founder. 

George lived for the summers, if only so he could make his weekly visit to the drive-in to see all the new releases. He was president of the Western New York Drive-In Movie Society. One of the highlights of his movie mania was an interview he had with Joe Bob Briggs. One of George’s greatest wishes in his final days was to be able to see the new Godzilla: King of Monsters movie, an endeavor longtime friend and Transit Drive-In owner Rick Cohen was working to make happen.

An avid sports fan, he was finally able to celebrate a World Series Championship as his beloved Boston Red Sox won their first championship in 2004 after 86 years of futility. George was also a huge hockey fan, eagerly awaiting the next Buffalo Sabres games, and taking his wit to the airwaves as the color commentator for the Lockport Express and Niagara Falls PowerHawks Junior hockey games.

George is survived by his wife, Amy (Gardner) Root; his mother, Christine; stepson, Cory Cross; and grandsons, Abel and Dean; brother Richard (Tracy) Root and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his close friend Charlie Miller.

A celebration of his life will be held on May 30th at a time to be announced at The Transit Drive-in, Lockport, NY.  Arrangements are under the direction of Michael R. Goodlander of OTTO REDANZ FUNERAL HOME.  www.goodlandercares.com

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