Richard "Rich" E Whittington

 Richard “Rich” E. Whittington, 53, of Hillsdale, Il, passed away on March 17, 2026, at Unity Point Hospital in Bettendorf, IA. A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Vandemore Funeral Home – Geneseo Chapel from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Geneseo Humane Society.

Rich was born on November 21, 1972, the son of Richard and Marilyn (Land) Whittington in Geneseo. He graduated from J.D. Darnell High School and went on to obtain a degree in law enforcement at Black Hawk College before attending the police academy in Champaign. Rich worked as a Field Service Representative for Iowa American Water Company, and he previously worked in law enforcement. In his free time, you could find him riding his Harley Davidson Motorcycle, boating, fishing, camping or sitting around a bonfire. Rich was also very invested in fantasy Football every year. He went to the gym frequently and enjoyed lifting weights. Rich loved the country air, outdoor activities and country living. Above all else, Rich loved spending time with his family.

Those left to cherish his memory include his mother, Marilyn Whittington; children Joseph Whittington and Shelby (Francisco “Kiko”) Peña; grandchildren, Jace and Dean Whittington, and baby girl, Elliana Peña, on the way; sister, Vicki (Joe) Wright.

He is preceded in death by his father, Richard Whittington; grandparents, Ebert and Jean Whittington and Maxine and Leonard Land.