Glenn Robert DiNella, 58, passed away on Sunday, December 1, 2024 in Birmingham, Alabama following a brief illness. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Ronald R. DiNella and Mrs. Geraldine “Gerry” DiNella of Muscle Shoals. He is survived by his two sons, Joseph Henry DiNella and Robert Cary DiNella, both of Birmingham.
Born in Pulaski, Tennessee, he also grew up in Overland Park, Kansas and Sheffield, Alabama. He was the youngest of five children, Ronald DiNella of Muscle Shoals; Ellen Reinlie (Bob) of Florence; Dr. Ken DiNella (Cindy) of Americus, Georgia; Dr. Tom DiNella (Leslie) of Nashville.
Glenn graduated from Sheffield High School, Birmingham Southern College and North Carolina State University with a Masters in Landscape Architecture. His work in landscaping led him to a 20-year career as a writer and editor for Better Homes and Gardens, Southern Living and Total Landscape Care. As a freelance writer, he wrote for other publications such as Scotts and Ortho. For the past 13 years, Glenn owned and operated Barefoot Green Ecoscaping, an environmentally responsible lawn and gardening service in Birmingham.
Growing up at the family lake home along the Tennessee River, Glenn developed a passion for nature that continued to flourish throughout his life. He learned to appreciate its beauties and complexities that often went unnoticed by others. Each bird, reed, drop of water and sunset is designed and placed there by God and Glenn noticed and valued the infinite paintings God made with them. He loved the river and took the time to watch its constant, yet subtle changes as it seemed to give him peace, uplift his heart and point him to the Creator who is the giver of peace for our souls.
Anyone who knew Glenn would say his appreciation for God’s creation extended to his love for dogs as they were his special companions and he kept them close by. His family has suggested that expressions of sympathy be made to the Birmingham Humane Society in his memory.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date at the family home on Donnegan Slough, Muscle Shoals.
“There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High.”-Psalm 46:4
