Herbert E. Whitworth, 85, died Wednesday, February 14th at the Jewish Healthcare Center, Worcester. He was raised and spent his adult life in the family home in Leicester. For the past nearly two years he resided at Tatnuck Park in Worcester where the wonderful staff cared for him and where he was able to make a new set of dear friends in the last years of his life. Herbert leaves a brother, David P, Whitworth and his wife Doris of Paxton, a sister, Dianne E. Hare and her husband, Stephen of Leicester. He also leaves nieces and nephews, David Whitworth Jr., Michelle Gallant, Sherri Ferguson, Michael Hare and Tracey Christopher. Herb also leaves several great-nieces and great-nephews. He was predeceased by his great-nephew, Zachary Hare, who was a promising baseball pitcher. Born in Worcester, Herb was the son of Herbert H. and Dorothy E. (Kincaid) Whitworth.

He was a graduate of Leicester High School, Worcester Junior College, and Clark University. Herb worked as an estimator at Riley Stoker Company in Worcester, retiring in 1994. For many years he worked in a part-time capacity at Becker College. Herb filled several roles over the years from instructor to sports writer, but the role he was most proud of was that of assistant basketball coach for Becker’s Women’s Basketball National Championship team. The winning game was among Herb’s favorite topics of conversation. Herb also devoted much of his time to coaching Babe Ruth Baseball in Leicester and Worcester. He was especially proud of his Eagle Scout award and of his status as a veteran, having served in the U.S. Army. No remembrance of Herb would be complete without mentioning his beloved dog, Bobo. They were constant companions for years. Among his other interests were his love of gardening, especially raising gladiolus, trips to the town library, ice cream, Memorial Day parades, reading, spending holidays with his family, and most recently watching his great-nephew, Jack Christopher, play basketball. Herb will be dearly missed by his family. He truly was a kind and generous individual who always had a word of advice or encouragement.

Herb’s funeral services will be held on Monday, February 19th at 10a.m. in the Greenville Baptist Church, 674 Pleasant Street, Rochdale. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Calling hours are Sunday 4-6 PM in the Morin Funeral Home, 1131 Main Street, Leicester. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Make a Wish Foundation, One Bulfinch Pl., 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 01202 in Memory of Zachary Hare.