Denny Dentino

Albert G. “Denny” Dentino Jr. , 89, a Peoria native, resident and longtime public servant, passed away on Friday, November 22, 2024, at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria. He was born on June 30, 1935, in Peoria, IL, the son of Albert and Emma Louise Dentino. He married Judith A. Druin on March 17, 1961, in Peoria, IL. Surviving are his wife of Peoria, one daughter, Joan (Brett) Childs of Vonore, TN, and one son, Donald (Santa) Dentino of Washington, IL. Also surviving are four grandchildren, Rebekah Dentino, Christine (Brett) Crumrine, Monica Dentino, and David Dentino. Further surviving are several nieces and nephews. His parents, three sisters, Marianne (Richard) Schaffner, Connetta (Vernon) Guetersloh, Jerry Lou Dentino, and one brother, John “Steve” (Bonnie) Dentino all preceded him in death. Denny was a proud graduate of Woodruff High School, was an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Army, and attended the University of Illinois and Illinois Central College (ICC). Denny was a gifted artist along with being detail oriented which led him to a career in Graphic Design and mapmaking as a Draftsman for the City of Peoria. He was an institution at City Hall in downtown Peoria with a career that lasted over thirty-five years. His skills allowed him to continue that work beyond official retirement through his own Dentino Art Services business. Beyond his productive career with the City, Denny worked seasonally at the Hiram Walker Distillery in Peoria. His knowledge of and appreciation for the city of Peoria was unrivaled. As a young man Denny enjoyed and participated in all seasons of sports including baseball, football and basketball. He especially enjoyed participating in the city's fast-pitch softball league, including stints as an umpire. During his working years he was a mainstay on Wednesday nights at the Bowlmor Lanes bowling league enjoying the company of lifelong friends. He combined his professional skills and love for sports as a regular contributor to the Christ Lutheran Grade School basketball tournaments, creating the tournament booklets with their special artwork and design. He was especially fond of those days of passing on his passion for sports to his family and family friends. An avid Cardinals fan, trips to St Louis with friends and family throughout his life are of family lore. Watching the Chicago Bears as well as University of Illinois football and basketball games was also a favorite pastime. Denny enjoyed a long and fulfilling retirement, which included many hobbies, landscaping, playing cards and travelling with family and friends, enjoying family get-togethers and any events involving his grandchildren. Taking art classes at ICC was especially memorable, allowing him to hone his God given skills, which culminated in his own art display at the college. His time in retirement also saw him selflessly assist in the care of others including his mother-in-law and grandchildren. Denny fiercely loved his wife “Jude” of over 63 years as well as his family and friends. He was a model provider for his family and steward of God’s provision. He was always pleased to see the fruits of his labor bless his family and to be reflected back in the lives of his children and grandchildren. His memory and legacy will carry on. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. His family invites you to share your favorite stories and memories and honor his memory by visiting www.schmidthaller.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria. Schmidt-Haller Funeral Home in Peoria has been entrusted with arrangements. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Denny Dentino, please visit our floral store.

Denny Dentino

June 30, 1935 - November 22, 2024