Richard Edward Root

Richard Edward Root, a beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away on March 19, 2024, at the age of 78. Rich was a St. Paul, MN native who grew up in the neighborhood of West Seventh Street and graduated from Cretin High School. He married Carol Marie Mack, another St. Paul native, in 1966 and had two daughters, Donna and Anne. Rich and Carol partnered to put Rich through the Civil Engineering program at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, where Rich received a bachelor’s degree in 1968 and then a master’s degree in 1970. The young family first moved to Maryland in 1971 when Rich started work with The Asphalt Institute as a research engineer. They then relocated to Ohio in 1974 when Rich transferred to the Columbus office of The Asphalt Institute, as a District Engineer. Finally, the family settled in Libertyville, IL where Rich worked first as a Vice President and then President/Owner of the Chicago Testing Laboratory and continued to grow his career as an international expert in asphalt pavements and as a developer of industry testing standards and procedures. Through the Lab, he taught mix design methodology to hundreds of Department of Transportation and contractor personnel around the United States. Rich authored many industry articles, volunteered with many industry associations and served as the president of the Association of Asphalt Paving Technologists in 1985. After “retirement” Rich continued his career as an expert legal consultant on pavement designs. While on vacation in Scottsdale, Arizona, Rich and Carol found a beautiful lot and began work to design their dream home in the Sonoran Desert. Rich used early CAD capabilities to architect and develop the plans for the home which they then built and have enjoyed for close to thirty years. As his children and grandchildren began settling in Minnesota. Rich took on his second home design project on Lake Minnetonka, creating a summer hub for family gathering and lake fun. Rich gained renown among his grandchildren as an excellent boat driver for tubing outings, epic kayak adventures, fishing contests and Friday-night pizza on the dock. Throughout his life, Rich was very active in sports. He was an avid runner, cyclist, and softball player. His sporting exploits and competitive nature became part of family lore, from bicycling awards, golf tournaments, and Senior Olympics, to two sprained ankles in one volleyball game, to cycling camp in the Rockies for his 50th birthday, to organizing and playing for senior competitive softball teams. Rich enjoyed traveling and being with his family. He was always organizing trips, whether for softball tournaments, family birthdays, tours of National Parks, hiking the Grand Canyon, or road tripping across the United States. Rich and Carol made many trips to New Zealand and Australia - with his brother Robb and sister-in-law Kay being their frequent traveling companions. Rich leaves behind his wife Carol, two daughters, four grandchildren and two great grandchildren as well as his two brothers. He will continue to be remembered through their love. The family is planning a private ceremony and in lieu of flowers - please consider a donation to the Special Olympics to support continuing opportunities for children and adults to experience the joy of sports and friendship.

Richard Edward Root

June 16, 1945 - March 19, 2024