ROCKLAND — Peter Jonathan Root, 56, passed away peacefully at Penobscot Bay Medical Center, Sunday, July 3, 2022. Despite odds being against him from the day he was born, he lived a wonderful life for 56 years.

He was one of a kind. He loved everyone and everyone loved him. Peter spent years of his life inspiring his 2,700 friends on Facebook with “Peter’s Positive Post” reminding them to “Stay Positive,” and that “Life is good.”

Peter was born January 4, 1966, at Knox Hospital in Rockland, Maine, son of Dr. John A. Sr., and Charlotte J. Root. He is survived by three sisters and their spouses, Jeanne and Howard Goldberg, Nancy and Ralph Hopkins, Kathryn and Eric White; a brother, John A. Root, Jr., and his wife Susan; special cousins Mary Root and her husband Gene Gower, John Hoadley and his wife Marie, as well as eight nieces and nephews and 16 great nieces and nephews, with whom Peter had a special relationship with each one of them.

After graduating from Rockland District High School in 1984, Sid Orne asked Peter to work for the Courier Gazette, where he worked with his good friend Jimmy Smith for several years. He also worked as a ward clerk at Pen Bay Medical Center and a telephone operator at Quarry Hill and the Methodist Conference Home. After that, Charlie Chiarchiaro hired Peter to work at the Owls Head Transportation Museum.

One day Paul Staples stopped Peter on the road and asked him to come to work as a dispatcher for Schooner Bay Taxi. He continued working there with Doug Merrill as well as Chris Merritt who now owns the company. Peter worked for all the owners of the company for 12 years. His last and favorite job was as a greeter at Walmart for 12 years. He loved his fellow employees there and many customers who looked forward to seeing him. He became known as “Peter the Greeter.” This was the perfect job for him.

Peter was a member of The Rockland Lodge of Elks and a volunteer at Pen Bay Medical Center, the Lobster Festival, the Owls Head Transportation Museum, and the Rockland Playground Committee. Linda Brawn made him head of the Republican Headquarters when McKernan ran for Governor.

Peter was an avid fan of the New England Patriots, the Boston Red Sox and the Boston Celtics.

Peter’s disability never diminished his happiness, and he was a most loving, caring and compassionate person. He will leave a void in the lives of many.

Friends and relatives are invited to visit Friday, July 8, 2022, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland, ME 04841.

A Celebration of Peter’s Life will be held Saturday, July 9, at 11 a.m., at the Congregational Church of Rockland, 180 Limerock Street, Rockland. The Rev. Dr. Seth D. Jones will officiate. For those unable to attend in person, a live-stream of Peter’s service will be available on his Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com. Please follow the link under Photos & Videos Tab then Watch Webcast. All are invited to attend a reception following the service, in Kimball Hall in the churches’ lower level, where an opportunity to share personal stories of Peter will be provided.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Peter’s name to the Owls Head Transportation Museum, PO Box 277, Owls Head, ME 04854; Rockland & Fire  EMS, 118 Park Street, Rockland, ME, 04841; or Rockland
Lodge of Elks No. 1008, P.O. Box 983 Rockland, ME, 04841.