Michael Alan Root

Root, Michael Alan 08/25/1943 – 09/28/2019 Michael Root, age 76, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, died on September 28, 2019. Mike was born and raised in Upper Darby PA, a suburb adjacent to Philadelphia. At age 15, he underwent surgery to remove a brain tumor. It was a pioneering operation in the 1950s and it left him paralyzed on his left side. Mike often reflected that he was only the second person at that time to survive such surgery. After 2 years of physical rehabilitation, he returned to high school and went on to earn a B.A. in political science and a Masters in rehabilitation counseling from Temple University. Although his partial paralysis posed lifelong challenges, Mike remained positive and was known for his upbeat attitude and sense of humor. He was a short-wave radio enthusiast and managed local radio nets on the east coast and, after relocating to Ann Arbor in 1992, in Michigan. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Etta Root. He is survived by his brother Larry, his sister-in-law Margaret, and his niece and nephew, Katherine Root and Benjamin Root. Following the death of his mother, Mike was able to live independently at home for a number of years, with the support offered by Meals on Wheels and UM’s Home-Share program. Mike showed determination and courage in the face of the challenges of his hemiplegia. He will be missed. Donations in Michael Root’s memory may be made to Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels (http://www.med.umich.edu/aamealsonwheels/mealgift.html)