Robert J. Root

Robert J. Root, Lt.Col., Connecticut State Police (retired), died August 8, 2011 at home. He was born in Norwalk, CT on July 11, 1941, the son of James and Margorie Humphrey Root. Mr. Root attended Norwalk public schools and graduated Cum Laude from the University of New Haven with a BS degree in Criminal Justice Administration.

In October of 1963, following a four year enlistment in the United States Marine Corps, he entered the Connecticut State Police. During a 32 year career, he served as the Deputy Commander of both the Central and Eastern Districts. He also served as the Commander of the Intelligence Division; Bureau of Criminal Investigations and State Police Training Academy. During the three years before his retirement in 1995, he held the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in command of State Police Operations.

He is a graduate of the U. S. Secret Service Dignitary Protection program and the 160th session of the FBI National Academy. He possesses several awards and commendations for his investigative and managerial accomplishments. Most notable are his investigative commendations in the Stamford Bra Murders, and the Pardue brothers bank robbery/murder sprees, which included the bombing of the Danbury, CT police department.

Following his retirement from the Connecticut State Police, he served as Vice President of PowerPhone, Inc.; Assistant Director of Security at Foxwoods Resort Casino; Consultant for the Connecticut Health Department, Toxicology Laboratory and as a Senior Investigator with The Hartford, Internal Audit, Department of Special Investigations.

Mr. Root resided in Westbrook, CT from the early 1970’s until moving to Oakdale, Ct in 1999. He is survived by his former wife Janet Alt, his daughter and son-in-law Kristina and George Fulk and their three children, Jessica, Connor & Kyle; his son and daughter-in-law Jamie and Jill Root and their four children, Spencer, Trevor, Tucker & Peyton and his daughter and son-in-law Andrea and Ken Jacobs and their two children, Zachary and Skyler. He is also survived by his younger brother Bruce and his two daughters, Heather & Margorie.

Family will receive friends from 3 PM until the time of service at 7 PM, Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at the Swan Funeral Home, 1224 Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the CT Hopsice, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford CT 06404 in memory of Robert Root. Please visit www.swanfuneralhomeoldsaybrook.com for a memorial tribute.