Francis J. Whitworth

Narragansett: Whitworth Sr., Francis J. "Puggy," 71 of Rhode Island Ave, died suddenly and unexpectedly Saturday after returning from a family trip to Disneyworld. He was the husband of Edith M. (McWilliams) Whitworth for 42 years.Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Francis M. and Ethel J. (Johnston) Whitworth.Mr. Whitworth was a fitter for 35 years for the Providence Gas Company retiring in in 1997. He was a member of Local 12431, United Steel Workers of America. He served in the US. Marines Corps during the Korean War. He was an avid sports fan and coached CYO baseball for St. Patrick Grammar School and also Little League Baseball in the Elmhurst League in Providence.He was a communicant of St. Mary Star of the Sea Church in Narragansett. He was a Third Degree member of the Dillon Council, Knights of Columbus.For 26 years, he played Santa Claus for the children of Smith Hill, Providence at the annual American Lithuanian Citizens Beneficial Club Christmas Party.He is also survived by his two sons, Francis J. Whiworth, Jr. and his companion, Jennifer L. Muniz, and Kevin M. Whitworth of Cranston, his "granddaughter", Alissa Muniz and many nieces and nephews.His funeral will be Thursday at 8:45 am from the Russell J. Boyle&Son Funeral Home, 331 Smith St. Providence. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00am in the Church of the Blessed Sacrament, Academy Ave, Providence. Burial will be in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. Visting hours will be Wednesday, 4-7pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to Rhode Island SPCA, 186 Amaral St. Riverside, RI 02915, in his memory would be appreciated.www.boyleandsonfuneralhome.com