ONEONTA - Orris "Pudgie" Root, 77, passed away Saturday, March 26, 2011 at his companion's home on Goodyear Lake.

He was born on August 3, 1933 in Oneonta, the son of Orris Leland Preston and Helen Louise (Bugbee) Root.

Pudgie was a sergeant in the United States Airforce during the Korean Conflict from 1952-1958.

He was a lifelong area resident who was a member of the 6th Ward Athletic Club and the American Legion Post #259 in Oneonta.

He was an avid outdoorsman and animal lover. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, boating, hiking, gardening and working as a mechanic. After he retired from the NYSDOT in 1996, he spent his time collecting antiques (Everything).

Pudgie was a well known entertainer and musician throughout Oneonta and the surrounding area.

Pudgie is survived by his companion, Rose Marie Millias of Goodyear Lake; 2 daughters, Debbie L. Lum of Gilbertsville and Teresa Root-Nicholas of North Carolina; his son, Christopher L.P. Root of Oneonta, his sister, Daphne Crane and her husband, George; 14 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his brothers, James and John Kinsey and his sisters, Carolyn Eggleston and Helen E. Dawson.

A funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 2, 2011 at the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St. in Oneonta, with the Rev. John Grenier, officiating.

Calling hours will be held Saturday from 12:00 p.m. until the service time.

Burial with Military Honors will take place at the Glenwood Cemetery, 11 a.m. Monday, May 23, 2011.

Contributions may be made in loving memory of Pudgie to the 6th Ward Athletic Club, 22 West Broadway, Oneonta, NY 13820.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.lhpfuneralhome.com.

The Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home in Oneonta is serving the family.