Paul J. L. Root

Paul J.L. Root, 42, died unexpectedly at home on February 17, 2020.  Born in Springfield on May 19, 1977, he was a son of Gerald F. and Eileen (Easton) Root.  Paul was a graduate of Minnechaug Regional High School, graduated from Springfield College and earned his Master of Fine Arts degree at Goddard College.  As an artist, Paul worked in oil, acrylic and pen and ink.  He was  self-taught in screen printing and developed a successful business, Blackthorn Prints, that offered prints of his original art work.  Paul played a variety of musical instruments and performed throughout western Massachusetts.  His last performance was February 9, 2020 in Southbridge, Massachusetts.  Paul loved the outdoors and spent time hiking and collecting fallen bird feathers.  He traveled in Europe and extensively in the United States with his parents and siblings.  In addition to his parents, Paul is survived by a brother , Nathan ( Jennifer) and their daughters, Loren and Mia of Sherborn, Massachusetts and a sister, Kirsten Root and her sons, Zavier and Max of Natick, Massachusetts along with aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and many cherished friends. The family will receive friends on Saturday February 29, 2020 from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM in the Forastiere Smith Family Funeral Home, 220 North Main Street East Longmeadow followed by a time of reflection and celebration of life beginning at 4:00 PM.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to Dakin Humane Society, 171 Union Street Springfield, Massachusetts 01105 or N.A.M.I., 324 A Springfield Street Agawam, Massachusetts 01001. www.forastiere.com