After a courageous battle with kidney disease, William “Denny” Whitworth, 77, of Bloomington, IL, passed away on January 23, 2023, at home surrounded by his family.

His visitation will be held from 1:00-4:00 p.m., Sunday, January 29, at Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington IL. Cremation rites have been accorded. A private funeral service will be held with military rites accorded by the Bloomington-Normal American Legion Honor Guard. He will be buried at Holy Cross Cemetery, Normal, IL.

The family has requested no flowers, but memorials be made to the Kidney Foundation, the Cancer Society, or Alzheimer’s Association.

Denny was born on August 25, 1945, in Bloomington, to William J. and Justine Verna (Neal) Whitworth. He married Janet Hayes on February 7, 1970, at St. Mary’s Church, Bloomington, IL.

Surviving is his loving wife of 52 years, Janet; children, Todd (Mollie) Whitworth, Jeff (Jenna) Whitworth, all of Bloomington; grandchildren, Carson, Dylan, Collin & Lila Whitworth, and Parker McDermott and Hayden Whitworth; sister Cheryl (Howard) Hunley, and his nephew Michael O’Brien, LeRoy, Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Tom Whitworth.

Denny was a 1964 graduate of University High School, Normal IL where he played football all four years. He was a United States Army veteran.

In 2007, he retired from Rowe Construction after 40 years as an operating engineer. He was a member of Local 649 Operating Engineers, Peoria IL and received his 50-year pin on April 2, 2022.

Denny was also the co-owner of Beningo’s Restaurant with his wife Janet, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Robert and Eleanor Beningo Hayes. After his retirement from Rowe Construction, you could find Denny at the restaurant early every morning. He would make spaghetti sauce, lasagna, meatballs, pizza dough, famous Italian salad dressing (better than Janet’s), cook pasta, order supplies, put away groceries, and anything else that needed to be done. He was a jack-of-all-trades. The restaurant closed on August 16, 2016, after 45 years of being in business.

In his retirement, he spent more time with family. He loved going to baseball games with his sons and grandkids. Denny enjoyed spending time up at Lake Bloomington where he loved taking a dip in the lake and rides on the pontoon boat. A special time was the annual July 4th party at the lake visiting with family and watching the fireworks. He looked forward to vacations in Long Boat Key, Florida. His love for flowers was evident in all the beautiful flowers he planted and groomed.

Denny was known for his work ethic, willingness to help other people and sense of humor. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, a devoted husband, father, a loyal friend, a caring brother, and a proud grandfather.

The family would like to thank the Carle Hospice nurses Heather and Kimberly, the CVCU nurse Krista at Carle BroMenn Medical Center, Michael and Dr. Shrishrimal from Fresenius Kidney Care and all others who contributed to his care.

Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington, IL is overseeing the arrangements. To express condolences online, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.