David Michael Basil Dinelle

David Michael Basil Dinelle, age 78, of St. Catharines, Ontario, passed away on April 4, 2024. He was born on November 18, 1945, in Toronto, Canada.

David enjoyed a distinguished career, starting as a controller at Consolidated FastFrate Ltd. from 1969 to 1976. He then worked as an accountant and auditor at Ernst Torner from 1976 to 1980. His career progressed as he became Vice President Finance and Administration at Jumbo Motor Express Ltd. from 1980 to 1982, and later Vice President Finance and Treasurer at Media Buying Services Ltd. from 1982 to 1998. During the latter part of his life, he worked as a real estate agent in Muskoka, Canada.

David was an avid tennis player who was awarded a scholarship to Oklahoma City University where he played NCAA tennis. After graduating with a bachelor's degree, he continued to compete, representing Canada in both the junior Davis Cup and the International Tennis Club, playing in Mexico and France. He championed youth tennis programs for underserved communities as a founding member of the Doug Philpott Inner-City Tennis Fund, and tirelessly volunteered with the Ontario Tennis Association and during his many years as a member of Toronto Lawn Tennis Club.

David will be deeply missed by his loving and loyal wife of almost 56 years, Brenda Leigh (nee Freeman), his children Jennifer Clarke (Paul), Tamara Dinelle, Adam Dinelle, his granddaughters Gillian Voisey, Stephanie Mountain, and Brooke Voisey, his sister Judy Dinelle, brothers-in-law Donald Freeman (Donna) and Michael Freeman (Rosanna). He is also remembered by Jamie, Diana and Evelyn Clarke, Jordan Clarke and Harry Clarke, his adoring grand-dog who spent many hours by his side.

He was preceded in death by his father Victor Dinelle, mother Yvonne Berube, and brothers John Dinelle, Vincent Dinelle, and Raymond Dinelle. David is remembered by his large extended family including his many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

David enjoyed a wonderful and adventurous life, spending his retirement years with Brenda in Ajijic, Mexico; Aventura, Florida;
and Palm Beach County, Florida. He and Brenda expanded their community of friends from throughout the world, who will miss his sense of irony and his deep knowledge of sports, global affairs, and civil rights.

A private celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 25th for David's family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Doug Philpott Inner-City Children's Tennis Fund.

The family would like to thank the team at Niagara Health Centre, notably Dr. Mary Salib, Dr. Brooke Tang and Derrick, Andrea, Randy and Lindsay who supported David during his final days. They are overwhelmed by the love and kindness of their friends and family, and would like to thank everyone who has reached out with their support during this difficult time.