Philip A. Natoli

What an affectionate tribute to man who was loved and respected by so many; I was very heartened to read it, and so deeply touched to discover more fully the Philip Natoli your words evoke. It´s very true that "his greatest contribution was the influence he had on his students´ lives" - then, and now. This, I have wanted you to know. Mr. Natoli has been much in mind with me over recent days, and I´ve come to appreciate that he was a man doing just what he loved - as simple as that, day...

I too recall Mr. Natoli as was one of the band's student teachers when I was in junior high, and we were fortunate when he filled Mr. Groeling's vacancy the following year. His passion, musical knowledge and skill, demanding caring, positive impact, and long career at MCS were gifts to me, my siblings, and the Marcellus school and greater community. With sincere sympathy to his family, may he rest in peace, knowing he made a difference.

Dear Maria, Please know that Phil was a sane and decent friend in my life when I needed one. I'll never forget. May he rest in a profoundly musical place.

I had heard that Phil had passed but hadn´t seen the obituary.. what a great teacher and human. At numerous times in my life I´ve reflected over the lessons Phil really taught, and it was much more than "scales in extended patterns". I learned that accomplishment took hard work and practice, and it was just there that I learned what that really was.. it was also there that I learned how to just memorize the scales.. I´m glad he always called them in order! He was one of, if not the most...

When I was a kid growing up in Cortland NY, we watched many parades on various holidays. I was in the third grade and remember the various bands that marched one day - mostly the high school bands and maybe the local VFW band. All good, standard groups playing marches and the like. Then I heard a sound unlike anything else. It was the drum and bugle corp called the Matadors under the direction of Corky Fabrizio. These were not marches. The drum cadence was different. The arrangements were...

I met Phil just about 3-4 years ago. He and his sweet wife Marilyn were part of our Florida friend group. We would all go out for dinner on Saturday nights. Despite Phil´s somewhat fragile state, he was SO kind and loved to have a fun evening out. I see a lot of posts here about his music career. When I struck up a conversation with him, he could flow with stories about his music. Allen and I send our support and wishes for peace, to all the family and friends. from Joan Shoaf and...

Our sincere condolence to the Natoli family. I was fortunate enough to be Phil's successor as band director at Marcellus High School from 2001-2020. Phil did such an amazing job building a great program. It was a joy for me to carry on the great traditions that he started and cultivated. It was Phil's vision, talent, and care that created a legacy of fabulous student musicians. Our most sincere gratitude and prayers are with the entire Natoli family at this time. Phil's legacy will live on in...

I didn´t know Phil as a teacher, instead I knew him for nearly 50 years as my best friends dad. He was a man of integrity and class, who worked hard and played hard. I believe some of my better virtues were influenced by Phil along with many others he shared his time and talents with. He will be missed.

Dear Mathew and family, We are so sorry to hear of your Dad´s passing. We were, friends, neighbors and colleagues for many years in Marcellus and Florida and enjoy treasured memories of times together with your Dad and Mom. The past few years have been difficult for all but you worked to make it the best as you could for your Dad. Your parents were so proud of you and their wonderful family. We pray that you will find comfort in the love of family and friends and in the good and happy...