I just learned of Joe's passing.  I bought many instruments and accessories over the years at his store and he was always so kind and helpful.  I always looked forward to seeing and talking to him and appreciated him taking the time to help and answer my questions. So many businesses rush through the day-to-day and lose the customer connection. He reminded me of my Italian father in ways and he will be missed!

To my friend and paisano joe notto, it was a pleasure to know you and call you my friend. I enjoyed the hours i spent playing guitar in your store. Rest in Peace. Mike De Lorenzo, New york, New york

The world just isn't the same without you in it.  I miss you terribly and will keep your love alive in me until we meet again.  Love you Dad...always and forever.  Jo Batzer

Just had a chance to look at all of the photo's......made me reflect on my life as a young man growing up....thank you....sorry I lost contact with Joe after Calvert Hall....so close and yet so far away.

Enjoyed your friendship at Calvert Hall

Gary L Marsiglia - '63

My thoughts and prayers are with the Noto family. I bought my first guitar from Joe in the mid 70s, as well as taught there my first summer out of high school, filling in for Bill Reiber (RIP). I've only seen Joe a couple of times over the years since, but will always remember his love of the music business, as well as his promotion of music education. Rest in peace, Joe-

Joe was one of the hardest heads I've ever dealt with in business.  He was also one of the sweetest, most decent men I've ever known.  My deepest sympathies to the Noto family.  Riposa in pace Beppo.

I first met Joe at his store on Bond St. in Bel Air. Over the years I enjoyed my dealings with him and fondly think back on the many guitars and assorted gear that I bought from Joe at the various locations as his business grew. As I became an adult, I started my own music store in York, PA and continued to do business with Joe to the present. I knew of his illness and prayed for his comfort and peace of mind. I am blessed to know him as my friend. My prayers are with his family. He will be missed by many.
Jerry Duncan
York, PA

Joe, may you rest in peace. In a business filled with inpatient sales people, Joe was a good man who wanted to truly help you to understand what might work best for your needs. All musicians will truly mourn his passing. Thanks Joe, for also being a friend. Thanks also for the many jokes and stories that you told.

Joe helped me with the purchase of my first guitar (about 37 yrs ago), and assisted me countless other times, with various accessories, throughout the years. He loved music, and he was "instrumental" in instilling that same love in thousands of Harford Countians. He will be missed immensely.

I have known Joe ever since I first came to Harford County in 1972 as a new music teacher. I recall my first trip to Music Land and it soon became my go-to place for all things musical from guitar strings, sheet music, choral major works, student guitars and the list goes on. Joe always made time to chat with me and was a dedicated supporter of the NHHS program and later, the Deer Creek Chorale. Joe was one of a kind and I feel privileged to have known him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

Our collective thoughts and prayers are with the Noto Family. Joe's impact on the lives of musicians in and around the area is incalculable. I had the pleasure of working for Joe back in the Service Department my senior year of high school.  It was an experience that will always be with me.  Personally, MusicLand was a refuge during a difficult time in my life and a way to escape my worries by day dreaming into a wall of brightly colored guitars. The Beck family will deeply miss Joe Noto.

Joe was a good friend to my brother, Jay Price. The store was always helpful and it will not be the same with Joe  no longer behind the counter.

My heartfelt sympathy for Joe's family. I will truely miss seeing him and talking about music.

After much window shopping I bought my first instrument from Joe in 1979 at his Rock Spring location.  Two of my sons, Ernie and Christopher not only shopped with Joe over the years but both eventually worked at MusicLand.  Through all these experiences my sons and I came to know and love Joe very much.  I am truly saddened by his passing but am absolutely certain his legacy will live on in me and my family for decades to come.  May God bless the entire MusicLand and the Noto family at this solemn time.

To Amanda and Noto family.  I am so sorry for your loss.  Joe was a straight up great guy who was an institution in the Harford County community with all things music.  He always gave me personal one-on-one attention when I came into the store and he never was pushy for a sale.  He was true and honest.  We will miss him. We will definitely miss him!

Music Land just won't be the same without Joe's smiling face and his wonderful sense of humor. My deepest sympathy to his family and to his Music Land Family.

Joe Noto (he told me Noto was Japanese) showed everyone what is right in this country. To be in business for over 45 years and to bring the gift of music to so many people was truly tremendous.  Knowing nothing about playing music in '75, he helped me purchase my first guitar. He even gave our band the opportunity to play at his son's communion party.  Of course, Joe played the accordion to show us he still had it. Joe's humor, wit, graciousness, and integrity will be missed in the music community. My condolences go out to his family, employees, and friends.

I met Joe in 1970 at his store in Bel Air, on the corner of Bond and Rt 1. My brother, sister and I bought a lot of equipment from Joe through the 15 years we played. He recommended us to everyone. Even had us play for his son Larry's 1st Communion party. Big family gathering. Joe even jumped in with his "squeeze box" and played a number.

He was a good friend to us, he was like one of the family.  He loved my Dad. They would talk once in a while about Dad's Big Band he had back in the day around the Pittsburgh area.  Joe thought the world of my brother and my sister for their talent. Someone told me he had some pics of us on his website.  

It was always like "old home" week whenever we would see him. He was a Harford County Treasure to me.  The world is an emptier place today.

See you again Joe.

The Bel Air community has truly lost an icon, and a friend. You will be missed, Joe. My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

My deepest sympathy to his family. What a pleasure to have known Joe for over 40 years. Such a sad loss for our community.

Joe was an extremely dedicated and caring man.  He was a terrific friend of the Sobus family, and always looked out for my father, brother and me.  My deepest sympathies go out to the Noto and Music Land families.

Joe Noto was a dynamic personality and he had a heart of gold! I'll always remember being greeted every time entering Music Land by that big grin! We'll miss you! Thoughts and prayers to the entire Noto family.

Joe was the music teacher's best friend.  He was so helpful, supportive, thoughtful and kind to me in all my dealings with him.  I will miss his presence and his special personality at Music Land.  He gave us the gift of his service.  My deepest sympathy to his family and friends.  I am out of town at this time so I will not be able to visit with you in person.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.  With deepest sympathy, Louise Ballard

My deepest sympathy to the Noto family. It has been a pleasure to work for Mr.Joe for the last thirty three years. He has been very generous to me and my family. He has been like another dad and will be greatly missed.

Joe Noto was an upstanding, great Italian man that you don't see anymore in this society! His memory will live on with thousands that he touched! I will miss him!!

Dear Mary, Joe, and Victoria, and the Noto Family, On behalf of the entire Toskes Family you have our deepest sympathy for the death of your Dad and you are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Michelle Toskes Morris

Thank you Mr. Joe for being such a great character and keystone for musicians here. I still play the guitar I bought from you almost twenty years ago. Will miss you sir, may you play in that big jam in heaven!

I grew up knowing all the Noto family living just across the ally from them.  Just within the past couple years my family has started to learn guitar and vocals so we can worship deeper in our church, Mr Noto was such a huge help and was very kind, even after all these years he still remembered me and my family and even offered me the "Idlewild discount".  It was nice to talk to him about old times and the old neighborhood.  I am sure his knowledge of music will be greatly missed.  
Darlene (White) Stutelberg (Forest Hill, MD)

Donna and Family,
I'm very sorry to hear of Joe's passing. May God be with you and your Family in your time of need.

my deepest sympathy to the Family and coworkers.....Rest in Peace Joe you will never be forgotten, I will cherish our friendship forever!!

May God bless you Joe.  You will never realize just how many ways you have touched my life. I have been a customer, a student and we have had a business relationship. The relationship I value the most, however, was our friendship that lasted for more than 40 years. It sadens very much to realize the end of these most memorable years. Rest in Peace and may God continue to bless you and your family ...

Joe, you were my go to guy for almost 50 years.  You provided myself and so many others with a gentle guiding hand in shaping our love of music. You are already missed. My deepest sympathy to the family.
                                                                                        Russ Yocum (Bel Air)

So sorry to hear the news about Joe. I've known him for 50 years and always enjoyed the times we spent together.

My deepest condolences to the entire Noto family.

So sorry to hear about Joe. I had the pleasure of working a few music jobs with Joe in the past. What a great guy!

 Joe,thank you for being a part of my life. You will be truly missed. R.I.P and may God watch over the family and find comfort.

My deepest sympathy to the family, friends and co-workers. I have enjoyed working for Joe for many years and will truly miss him. I always enjoyed his joking around.

You were a vital part of the music community, Joe. You will be missed and remembered by many for years to come. Thank you for being an integral part of the music world in Harford County.

Rest in peace Joe.  You were a blessing to the music community.

My deepest sympathy for the entire family.

I remember Joe as a person that really cared about his customers and was always there to help them get what they wanted, and needed.  He will be missed.

OBITUARY

Joseph Noto

October 31, 1942 – May 7, 2015

Schimunek Funeral Home

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